Multiracial and Biracial Individuals: A Content Analysis of Counseling Journals, 1991–2013

Abstract

This content analysis examines the counseling literature on multiracial individuals using the top journals. The authors conducted an exhaustive search for research articles and identified 10 published articles that addressed biracial and multiracial individuals from the years 1991 to 2013 in top‐tier counseling journals. Of the 10 counseling journals, 4 journals addressed multiracial individuals (Journal of Counseling & Development, Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, Journal of Humanistic Counseling, and Journal of College Counseling). Recommendations for counselors and researchers are provided. Este análisis de contenido examina las investigaciones en el campo de la consejería sobre individuos multirraciales publicadas en las revistas académicas más importantes. Los autores llevaron a cabo una búsqueda exhaustiva de artículos de investigación e identificaron 10 artículos publicados en revistas académicas de consejería de alto nivel que trataban sobre individuos birraciales y multirraciales entre los años 1991 y 2013. Cuatro de las 10 revistas académicas de consejería trataban sobre individuos multirraciales (Journal of Counseling & Development, Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, Journal of Humanistic Counseling y Journal of College Counseling). Se ofrecen recomendaciones para consejeros e investigadores.

Multiracial Identity, Color‐Blind Racial Ideology, and Discrimination: Professional Counseling Implications

“…Several developmental models exist to explain minority racial identity, but these models often focus only on biracial identity (consisting of two racial identities), ignoring developmental concerns for multiracial individuals (i.e., Poston, 1990; Smith, 1991). Aside from being fairly outdated, further criticisms include the apparent pathologizing of the biracial experience (e.g., feelings of guilt and resentment toward themselves) and lack of sound empirical support (Evans & Ramsay, 2015; Rockquemore et al, 2009). Although Root’s (2001) research has aided in the understanding of the fluidity of multiracial identity, it has been criticized for focusing solely on adolescents, thus limiting the developmental scope of understanding (Evans & Ramsay, 2015).…”

“…Aside from being fairly outdated, further criticisms include the apparent pathologizing of the biracial experience (e.g., feelings of guilt and resentment toward themselves) and lack of sound empirical support (Evans & Ramsay, 2015; Rockquemore et al, 2009). Although Root’s (2001) research has aided in the understanding of the fluidity of multiracial identity, it has been criticized for focusing solely on adolescents, thus limiting the developmental scope of understanding (Evans & Ramsay, 2015). Henriksen and Paladino (2009) developed a newer and more inclusive model, the multiple heritage identity development model, whereby multiple heritage includes not only individuals who could identify as biracial or multiracial, but also those who could broadly identify with a variety of other characteristics (e.g., race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, national origin).…”

A Life Span Developmental Perspective on Psychosocial Development in Midlife

“…Although it is conceptually clear that culture, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status influence how people progress through midlife (Wray, ), scholars know little about how diversity interacts with the developmental tasks and roles of midlife (Lachman, ). That is, not only is middle adulthood understudied relative to other periods in life, but research with diverse populations of adults is limited (Evans & Ramsay, ).…”