Abstract: This study examined the identity development processes of Arab American women from an approach that included personal, socio-cultural, and political levels of experience. Ten Arab American women between the ages of 21 and 35 were interviewed. The narratives produced the following themes: (1) Ethnic identity was strengthened by negative experiences with mainstream Americans, (2) Participants rejected their official racial designation as White, (3) Womanhood was defined by the ability to resist tradition while upholding respect, and (4) True identity was an outgrowth of being able to embrace both the Arab and the American cultures. The findings of this study were used to develop a model of selving for Arab American womanhood that is culturally appropriate. At the center of the model is the notion of respect and honor while selving occurs as women both resist and accommodate to forces at the personal, sociocultural, and political levels.