MULTIRACIAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT: PREDICTING THE INTEGRATION OF ETHNIC/RACIAL IDENTITIES IN MULTIRACIAL ASIAN AMERICANS

Abstract

Multiracial individuals are a growing population that has yet to receive much attention in research, particularly in light of identity development. Focusing specifically on Asian-White multiracials, this study proposes a new framework for understanding multiracial identity, the Multiracial Identity Framework. This framework draws on theoretical perspectives in multiple dimensions of identity development, ultimately with the goal of understanding the development of ethnic-racial identity for multiracial individuals. Within this study, each component of the framework is evaluated in its ability to predict different conceptualizations of ethnic/racial identity that multiracial individuals may hold, whether that is to identify with one part or multiple parts of their heritage, consistently or with fluidity that changes based on context. Survey data were collected from Asian-White multiracials, recruited from online social media groups, websites, email lists, and personal contacts. Results suggest that culturally based influences, personality influences, and the ethnic/racial composition of peers along with generational status appear to influence how Asian and White multiracials view their ethnic-racial identity. Implications for the utility of this framework and future steps toward furthering our understanding of multiracial identity are discussed.