Latino/ Hispanic American Identity Development Models

Question 1

Ruiz’s five stage model

Answer 1

1. Causal stage
2. Cognitive stage
3. Consequence stage
4. Working-through stage
5. Successful resolution stage

Question 2

Ruiz - During this period messages or injunctions from the environment or significant others ignore, negate, or denigrate the ethnic heritage of the person. Affirmation about one’s ethnic identity is lacking, and the person may experience traumatic or humiliating experiences related to ethnicity. There is a failure to identify with Latina/ o culture.

Answer 2

1. Causal stage - Ruiz

Question 3

Ruiz - As a result of negative/ distorted messages, three erroneous belief systems about Chicano/ Latina/ o heritage become incorporated into mental sets: (a) Ethnic group membership is associated with poverty and prejudice; (b) assimilation to White society is the only means of escape; and (c) assimilation is the only possible road to success.

Answer 3

2. Cognitive stage - Ruiz

Question 4

Ruiz - Two major dynamics distinguish this stage. First, the person becomes increasingly unable to cope with the psychological distress of ethnic identity conflict. Second, the person can no longer be a “pretender” by identifying with an alien ethnic identity. The person is propelled to reclaim and reintegrate disowned ethnic identity fragments. Ethnic consciousness increases.

Answer 4

4. Working-through stage - Ruiz

Question 5

Ruiz - This last stage is exemplified by greater acceptance of one’s culture and ethnicity. There is an improvement in self-esteem and a sense that ethnic identity represents a positive and success-promoting resource.

Answer 5

5. Successful resolution stage - Ruiz