Identity Development of Biracial and Multiracial Youth

Abstract

There is a dearth of research in the area of identity development amongst biracial and multiracial youth. Identity development influences one's sense of belonging, self-perception, and social experiences, which may be fraught with more conflicts for biracial and multiracial individuals. The purpose of this project is to review the research literature around the complicated nature of multiracial identity development, including how the socio-cognitive experiences of multiracial youth may differ greatly from their monoracial peers. Equally important are the ways in which identity development is influenced by the extent to which multiracial individuals identify with their family's diverse cultures and ethnicities. This presentation will make a case for the imperative need for more research in the area of biracial and multiracial identity development, highlighting the implications of failing to do so and proposing possible avenues for future investigation with the aim of improving the limited scope and application of perspectives on multiracial youth development.

Austin Coffey-Moore | Psychological Sciences | Faculty Sponsor Laura Garofoli