Multiple racial identities as sources of psychological resilience

Abstract

Much of the research on multiracial individuals has focused on the impact of a multiracial background on psychological well‐being. This work, often using clinical samples, identified a higher prevalence of negative psychological outcomes among multiracial individuals, such as low self‐esteem, poor grades, or self‐hatred, and has emphasized that these negative outcomes stem from the unique challenges associated with navigating multiple racial identities. However, research on nonclinical samples finds that multiracial individuals fare as well as monoracial individuals on these, and other, outcomes. We put forth a synthesizing theory aimed at understanding how multiracial individuals develop adaptive coping strategies, which help them learn to navigate multiple identities and maintain positive psychological outcomes. In the current contribution, we build on existing research to theorize that multiracial individuals can engage in two psychological strategies that increase resilience: (a) switching between multiple racial identities and (b) reduced essentializing of race. Evidence and consequences of these two strategies are discussed. Taken together, in contrast to traditional depletion models of coping, this work highlights the unique experience of multiracial individuals and the potential psychological benefits of belonging to multiple racial groups in a racialized world.

A review of White‐centering practices in multiracial research in social psychology

“…Conclusions from this and similar work converge on a seemingly positive narrative: Multiracial people may possess a racial "resilience, " helping them navigate stigmatizing situations and structures (see also Shih et al, 2019). Moreover, their racial ambiguity may challenge lay theories of fixed racial categories that underlie others' stereotypes (Sanchez et al, 2015).…”

How Policies Can Address Multiracial Stigma

“…Correspondingly, the scientific community has seen an increase in research on Multiracial populations (Chen, 2019; Young et al, in press). Through this work, Multiracial identities emerge simultaneously to be a source of strength and resilience, as well as stigma (Gaither, 2015; Shih et al, 2019). This article summarizes the research to date on Multiracial stigma to identify the next steps in improving Multiracial health and well-being.…”

Understanding suicide risk for youth who are both Black and Native American: The role of intersectionality and multiple marginalization

“…Our study contributes to the literature by highlighting suicide risk among multiply marginalized monoracial and biracial NA and BL youth. Race is a social construct that deeply affects the lives of racially minoritized youth (Shih et al, 2007(Shih et al, , 2019. Racial classification, racial identity, and racial socialization interact significantly with suicide risk (Byrd & Chavous, 2011;Seng et al, 2012).…”