Biracial Identity and Its Relation to Self-Esteem and Depression in Mixed Black/White Biracial Individuals

Posted in Articles, Identity Development/Psychology, Media Archive, United States on 2010-06-03 02:38Z by Steven

Biracial Identity and Its Relation to Self-Esteem and Depression in Mixed Black/White Biracial Individuals

Journal of Ethnic And Cultural Diversity in Social Work
Volume 19, Issue 2 (April 2010)
pages 109 – 126
DOI: 10.1080/15313201003771783

Elizabeth M. Lusk
Department of Psychology
Washburn University, Topeka, Kansas

Matthew J. Taylor, Assistant Professor of Psychology
University of Missouri, St. Louis

John T. Nanney
Department of Psychology
University of Missouri, St. Louis

Chammie C. Austin, Assistant Professor of Psychology
Maryville University, St. Louis

The present study examined how self-identification and ethnic identity relate to levels of depression and self-esteem in black/white biracial individuals. Seventy-four black/white biracial individuals were recruited using a modified snowball sampling technique and completed online survey measures related to self-identification, ethnic identity, self-esteem, and depression. Ethnic identity was positively related to self-esteem and negatively to depression. Results also revealed that participants who either identified as biracial all the time (border identity) or sometimes (protean identity) had higher self-esteem and lower levels of depression than those who did not acknowledge their biracial identity (singular and transcendent identity). This study suggests the incorporation of both component races, rather than choosing one or denying both races as part of the identity, is associated with better psychosocial adjustment.

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Social Work Response to the Needs of Biracial Americans

Posted in Articles, Identity Development/Psychology, Media Archive, Social Work, United States on 2010-02-18 02:20Z by Steven

Social Work Response to the Needs of Biracial Americans

Surjit Singh Dhooper, Assistant Professor of Social Work
University of Kentucky

Journal of Ethnic And Cultural Diversity in Social Work
Volume 12, Issue 4 (April 2004)
pages 19 – 47
DOI: 10.1300/J051v12n04_02

The number of interracial marriages is rising. The offspring of these marriages are a special group that is experiencing the complexities and frustrations of multiracial existence. Over six million Americans identified themselves as biracial in the 2000 census. These people are different from biracial Americans of the past. They do not want to disown any part of their ancestry and are resisting the societal practice of forcing them to identify with only the racial community of one parent. This paper examines the social realities and worldviews of these Americans and identifies their major needs. It discusses these and suggests a social work response at the micro, mezzo, and macro levels of practice.

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Beyond Race: Examining the Facets of Multiracial Identity Through a Life-span Developmental Lens

Posted in Articles, Identity Development/Psychology, Media Archive, Social Work on 2010-02-17 04:11Z by Steven

Beyond Race: Examining the Facets of Multiracial Identity Through a Life-span Developmental Lens

Journal of Ethnic And Cultural Diversity in Social Work
Volume 18, Issue 4 (October 2009)
pages 293-310
DOI: 10.1080/15313200903310759

Kelly F. Jackson, Assistant Professor of Social Work
Arizona State University

Using a social work developmental lens, this qualitative study explored some of the numerous social and environmental factors that shape a multiracial individual’s cultural identity. Results from transcript analysis portray the cultural identity of multiracial persons as significantly influenced by (1) personal experiences of racism and discrimination; (2) social interactions and relationships with peers and family; and (3) the racial climate of the school and community. The findings from this study support more fluid, ecological models of multiracial identity development that are more effective at explicating some of the highly complex and influential contextual factors that impact a multiracial person’s cultural identity development.

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White Mothers Negotiating Race and Ethnicity in the Mothering of Biracial, Black-White Adolescents

Posted in Articles, Family/Parenting, Identity Development/Psychology, Media Archive on 2009-11-07 02:10Z by Steven

White Mothers Negotiating Race and Ethnicity in the Mothering of Biracial, Black-White Adolescents

Journal of Ethnic And Cultural Diversity in Social Work
Volume 14, Issue 3 & 4
June 2006
pages 125 – 156
DOI: 10.1300/J051v14n03_07

Margaret O’Donoghue, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Social Work
School of Social Work, New York University

Eleven White mothers of biracial, Black/White adolescents were interviewed in a qualitative study to determine whether and how these mothers socialize their children to issues of race and ethnicity. The majority of the women were raising their children with a focus exclusively on an African American culture and not including elements of an ethnicity germane to the mother. Their children identified as biracial privately and Black publicly. The specific strategies utilized by the women to foster ecological competence are discussed.

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