Abstract

The current study is a phenomenological inquiry into the meanings and conceptualizations of familial roles within the lived experience of bicultural couples in Canada. The purpose, to contribute culturally sensitive knowledge to the field of drama therapy as little research exists on bicultural couples. As such, three bicultural couples, all varying in age, cultural origin and sexual orientation, were recruited. Each couple was independently interviewed and given Landy's (2009) role profile card sort, though this tool was adapted with the exclusion of many the original roles and the inclusion of new, more culturally relevant roles. Further, role profiles was integrated with Betensky's (1995) phenomenological approach to art therapy to both sequentially highlight the phenomenon under investigation and fit the cultural context of the study. Through a phenomenological conceptual framework, the data was analyzed according to Moustakas' (1994) stages of theme analysis allowing the essence of the phenomenon – family roles in bicultural couples – to emerge. Findings suggest that cultural differences influence family role meanings within the bicultural couple and are internalized. This may lead to conflict but also the development of strong communication, intentional cultural adaptation and the formation of a “couple culture”. Future implications of this study for the field of drama therapy include the incorporation of adapted role profiles for therapeutic work with bicultural couples and theory development.