Mixed Race Studies

Multiracial Daughters of Asian Immigrants: Identity and Agency

Women & Therapy
Volume 36,  Issue 3-4, 2013
Special Issue: Women and Immigration
pages 268-285
DOI: 10.1080/02703149.2013.797776

Leilani Salvo Crane
Counseling and Psychological Services
University of Pennsylvania

Multiracial daughters of Asian immigrants must navigate complex pathways to adulthood, self-efficacy, and self-concept. Frequently they are required by family and society to bridge the cultural divide among a variety of Asian and American norms. Conflicting loyalties at times manifest as psychological struggles, which the daughter may be unable to resolve without therapeutic intervention. This article describes a culturally responsive approach to therapeutic intervention that takes into account both developmental and multiracial identity models, along with specific tools for exploring the complexities of cultural background, familial expectations, and issues of power and oppression. Both Hays’ ADDRESSING model (2001, 2009) and construction of the genogram are used to explore individual differences. Case examples are presented to illustrate interventions.

Daughters of Asian immigrants must navigate complex pathways to adulthood, self-efficacy, and self-view. As noted in the Handbook of Girls’ and Women’s Psychological Health (Worell & Goodheart, 2006), immigrant women and their children must be considered within the family system, rather than as Isolated individuals (Goodheart, 2006). Those with disempowered and or traumatized parents travel an especially difficult road due. in part, to the absence of multiracial role models with whom to identify, as well as to frequently conflicting cultural demands. Multiracial daughters of at least one Asian immigrant parent frequently face demands from family of origin to lie closely connected to family…

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Utilizing the Strengths of Our Cultures: Therapy with Biracial Women and Girls

Women & Therapy
Volume 27 Issue 1 & 2 (January 2004)
pages 33-43
ISSN: 1541-0315 (electronic); 0270-3149 (paper)
DOI: 10.1300/J015v27n01_03

Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti, Associate Professor
California Polytechnic State University

Lisa M. Edwards, Assistant Professor, Director of Child/Adolescent Community Program
Marquette University

Historically, psychology has operated from a pathology-based perspective. In the last several years, however, efforts have been made to balance this view with an acknowledgement of individual strengths and assets. For biracial women and girls, this approach may be particularly useful. Through the utilization of several techniques, including solution-focused interventions and narrative approaches to treatment, therapists can empower their female biracial clients through development of their strengths.

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Biracial (Black/White) Women: A Qualitative Study of Racial Attitudes and Beliefs and Their Implications for Therapy

Women & Therapy
Volume 27, Issue 1 & 2 (January 2004)
pages 45 – 64
DOI: 10.1300/J015v27n01_04

Tamara R. Buckley, Associate Professor of Counseling
Hunter College, City University of New York

Carter T. Robert, Professor of Psychology and Education
Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology
Teachers College, Columbia University

This study examined racial attitudes and beliefs in five biracial (Black/White) women. Participants completed three one-hour semistructured interviews designed to explore the impact of race on psychosocial development and psychological functioning from early childhood through the adult years. Results of thematic analyses and implications for clinical practice are presented.

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Resolving “Other” Status: Identity Development of Biracial Individuals

Women & Therapy
Volume 9, Issue 1 & 2 (May 1990)
pages 185 – 205
DOI: 10.1300/J015v09n01_11

Maria P. P. Root

The current paper describes the phenomenological experience of marginal socio-ethnic status for biracial individuals. A metamodel for identity resolution for individuals who struggle with other status is proposed. Subsequently, multiple strategies in the resolution of ethnic identity development are proposed among which the individual may move and maintain a positive, stable self-image.

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Dating Practices, Racial Identity, and Psychotherapeutic Needs of Biracial Women

Women & Therapy
Volume 27, Issue 1 & 2
January 2004
pages 103 – 117
DOI: 10.1300/J015v27n01_07

Ivory Roberts-Clarke
University of Rhode Island

Angie C. Roberts
University of Georgia

Patricia Morokoff, Professor of Psychology and Director of the Clinical Psychology
University of Rhode Island

Studies increasingly show that biracial men and women have self-identities that embrace the racial and cultural heritages of both parents (Thompson, 1999). One of the greatest dilemmas that people with biracial identities face is the question of whom they should date and marry, since they may feel strong allegiances to both of their racioethnic heritages. Few studies have examined what occurs when individuals with multiracial identities seek romantic relationships. This study provides a qualitative analysis of the dating experiences of eight biracial women (one bisexual, seven heterosexual), the social and familial relationships that influence their choice of partners, the positive and negative sociocultural aspects of having a biracial female identity, and participant perspectives about the psychotherapeutic needs of biracial women. Although results suggested that the biracial participants were receptive towards individuals of other races and more likely to appreciate differences, some participants had racial preferences regarding their choice of partners. Therapeutic considerations for professionals who work with biracial women are presented based on the findings from this study.