According to the Pew Research Center (2021) Asian Americans were the fastest growing racial or ethnic group between 2000-2019. More specifically there are 4.2. million Filipinos in the U.S. as of 2019 and are the 3rd largest Asian population within the U.S. (Pew Research Center, 2021; U.S. Census 2010). Second-generation Filipina American women between the ages of 18 to 25, or emerging adults, face unique challenges that include navigating cultural and familial expectations while figuring out their own identities, their roles and relationships within family, and sense of self within the larger society due to impact of historical trauma and colonization (Del-Mundo & Queck, 2017). Studies have shown the high rate of mental health issues including depression and suicidal ideation among Filipina American women due to stigma, shame, and balancing complex roles within multiple cultures (Nadal, 2011).

Understanding the experiences of second-generation Filipina American women is essential to addressing the current and future psychological health of individuals who negotiate intersecting cultural identities (e.g. race, gender, ethnicity, immigration status, education) while attempting to carving their own path in life. By using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and Photo Elicitation, this dissertation emphasizes the importance of collecting data through creative and artistic forms of expression that reflect experiences. Eight participants described how they see themselves as a second-generation Filipina American woman, the unique challenges associated with these identities, and the ways in which they felt they have delt with them through the use of photographs, original artwork, and narratives. Results will be presented as overarching themes which included: (1) Who Am I?, (2) Psychological Impacts of Navigating Gender Roles and Expectations, (3) Finding Connection to Other Filipina/o/x Americans, (4) Redefining Sense of Self. Findings highlight that questioning cultural values and beliefs can lead to clearer sense of self, broadening the definition and narrative of the first-generation student experience, and how institutional systems can provide more genuine meaningful support and resources for psychological well-being.