In today's society, people tend to overlook the importance of race, and the framework it has developed over time. Children that are conceived from a single race relationship are raised with a background of pride and have a sense of belonging. They have an understanding of their past and family history. Children that are conceived biracial and multiracial, tend to have concerns relating to their existence, and struggle to find a common ground among the single race population. Through the many stages leading to maturity, it has been noted that biracial and multicultural children encounter self-esteem and self-concept problems, which can lead to poor psychological adjustment.
The Research
Offspring of biracial and multicultural origin have given researchers vital information on how they identify their ethnic group. A study by Barbara Tizard and Ann Phoenix identified 58 youths and found that 39 percent considered themselves as black, while ten percent did so under particular circumstances. Forty-nine percent portrayed themselves as brown, half and half, mixed, or colored. Ten percent replied feeling white, or feeling more white than black. Another study by Chartered Clinical Psychologist Lyabo Fatimilehin involving 23 teenagers, found that 43 percent identified themselves as a mixed race, signifying dual heritage.
Root of the Problem
A number of situations can interfere with the development and identification of biracial and multiracial children such as repeated questioning of race by others, teasing, racial comments, and perceived stereotypes. As a result, offspring can face difficulties with gender confusion, self-hatred, alcohol and other drug abuse, suicide, delinquency, alienation, and denial of self. These potential symptoms coincide with biracial and multicultural genders searching for racial identity.
A common problem derives from the disparity of backgrounds between biracial and multiracial parents. Differences can cause problems in communication and understanding. This can be detrimental if parents must explain family history and incorporate a sense of racial characteristics to their children.
Search for Identity
The Biracial and Multiracial Identity Model, described by Roger D. Herring, discloses five stages providing implications for constructing personal identity within biracial and multiracial youth.
Stage one: Personal identity becomes a problem when biracial and multiracial youths internalize outside prejudices and values. The attitudes of observations are not yet developed, which sequentially basis their personal characteristic factors such as self-esteem and feelings of self-worth within their primary reference group.
Stage two: Choice of Group Categorization forces the youth to identify an ethnic group. It is rare at this stage for a youth to select a biracial or multiracial group based on the lack of knowledge of multiple ethnicities, races, and cultures, and the level of cognitive growth beyond that which is distinctive among this age group.
Stage three: Enmeshment/Denial is distinguished by perplexity and shame having to decide one identity that is not fully significant of one's background.
Stage four: Appreciation is when a youth begins to broaden their reference group and orientation and begin to appreciate multiple identities. The beginning of research about their racial and ethnic heritage may begin at this stage, but the identification of one group will still be in existence.
Stage five: Integration is when individuals experience completeness and amalgamation. Individuals come to realization and value their racial and ethnic identities. This final stage results in secure and incorporated identity.
Psychological intervention can be a valuable resource in contributing to the awareness of biracial and multiracial identity. The licensed professional needs to be empathetic and present authentic qualities to produce a trusting relationship. In addition, the counselor will need to provide a safe atmosphere, in which a biracial or multiracial adolescent may assist in the development of positive self-esteem. Guidance in the understanding and acceptance of the inter-relations of biracial and multiracial is significant. The provider must also be aware of racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity within the areas they serve.
The Continuous Evolution
The development of biracial and multiracial identity has been a dilemma dating back to the 1600's. The study of racial identity is a continuous evolution due to the effects on mental adjustments, by way of social attitudes, political developments, the philosophical understanding, and historical background surrounding race and race relations. These dynamics impact not only biracial and multiracial individuals, but race as an entirety.
Sources:
Fatimilehin, I. (1999). Of Jewel Heritage: Racial Socialization and Racial Identity Attitudes amongst adolescents of Mixed African-Caribbean/White Parentage. Journal of Adolescence, 22, 303-318.
Herring, ,R. D. (1995). Developing Biracial Identity: A Review of the Increasing Dilemma. Journal of Multicultural Counseling & Development, 23, 1.
Tizard, B., Phoenix, A. (1995). The Identity of Mixed Parentage Adolescents'. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry and Allied Disciplines, 36, 8, 1399-1410.
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