The Relationship Between Loneliness, Ethnic Identity, and Dimensions of Membership Across First, Second, and Third Generation Americans

The current study sought to explore the relationship between loneliness, ethnic identity, and dimensions of membership across generational statuses in the United States. One hundred ninety-four first, second, and third generation Americans participated in an online study which questioned the degree to which they participated in their native culture, their level of loneliness, and their experiences of discrimination, perceived inclusion, and how positively they view their ethnic group. As hypothesized, the more first generations participated in their native culture, the less loneliness they experienced. The more second generation Americans were educated about their native culture from their parents, the less loneliness they experienced, and the greater they participated in their culture. The more third generations identified with American culture, the less lonely they felt. Overall, there were significant differences in discrimination, perceived inclusion, and how positively participants viewed their ethnic group within the United States. This study emphasizes a cross-cultural phenomenon existing within differing generational statuses. Further analysis and implications of the study are discussed.