The Interpretation of Multiracial Status and Its Relation to Social Engagementand Psychological Well-BeingPosted in Articles, Identity Development/Psychology, Media Archive, Social Science, United States on 2009-10-08 04:35Z by Steven |
Journal of Social Issues
Volume 65, Number1, (March 2009)
pages 35-49
DOI: 10.1111/j.1540-4560.2008.01586.x
Kevin R. Binning
Stanford University
Miguel M. Unzueta
University of California, Los Angeles
Yuen J. Huo
University of California, Los Angeles
Ludwin E. Molina
University of Kansas
This research examines how multiracial individuals chose to identify themselves with respect to their racial identity and how this choice relates to their self-reported psychological well-being (e.g., self-esteem, positive affect) and level of social engagement (e.g., citizenship behaviors, group alienation). High school students who belong to multiple racial/ethnic groups (N = 182) were asked to indicate the group with which they primarily identify. Participants were then classified as identifying with a low-status group (i.e., Black or Latino), a high-status group (i.e., Asian or White), or multiple groups (e.g., Black and White, etc.). Results showed that, compared with multiracial individuals who identified primarily with a low- or high-status group, those who identified with multiple groups tended to report either equal or higher psychological well-being and social engagement. Potential explanations and implications for understanding multiracial identity are discussed.
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