Applying Self-Discrepancy Theory to Biracial Identity and Adjustment: A Proposed StudyPosted in Identity Development/Psychology, Live Events, Media Archive, Papers/Presentations, United States on 2010-12-31 00:19Z by Steven |
Applying Self-Discrepancy Theory to Biracial Identity and Adjustment: A Proposed Study
Social-Personality Brown Bag Series
University of California, Davis
Location: Young 166
2010-11-08, 12:10-13:30 PST (Local Time)
Lauren Berger
Research suggests that biracials may have poorer mental health than monoracials and a recent meta-analysis (Shih & Sanchez, 2005) cites a lack of research testing potential mediators of the link between biracial identity and adjustment. The proposed study aims to examine Higgin’s Self-Discrepancy Theory (1987, 1989) model of vulnerability as one such mediator of the relationship. Discrepancies between self-state representations have been found to be related to different kinds of emotional distress and self-esteem. We hypothesize that both internal and external (dis-confirming feedback from others) identity discrepancies will be related to lower levels of biracial adjustment. The extent to which the individual is comfortable with conflicting messages will also be examined as a moderator. Some aspects of the study are not yet finalized and feedback/comments would be much appreciated!