Bridging Gaps in Ethnic-Racial Socialization: Developing a Psychoeducational Intervention for Transracial Adoptive Families

• In Event: AERA Research in Progress Roundtable Session Three
  In Invited Roundtable: Research-in-Progress RT022 (Friday)

Abstract

This study examines how ethnic-racial socialization is experienced and enacted in transracial adoptive families to inform a targeted psychoeducational intervention. Using an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, adoptive parents (N = 35) and young adult adoptees (N = 8) completed parallel surveys assessing ERS practices, comfort, and preparedness for racism. Subsequently, two caregiver focus groups (N = 6) and two adoptee interviews (N = 2) provided deeper insight into relational dynamics and ERS experiences. Findings revealed discrepancies between parent intentions and adoptee perspectives, particularly around racial preparation and open communication. These results informed the development of an intervention designed to enhance ERS engagement, improve family communication, and promote positive identity development, offering a practical framework for clinical and educational settings.

Author

• Emma Keller, Stanford University