3-120 - Examining the Role of Parents in the Racial Development of Multiracial Youth

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

Multiracial individuals (those with parents of two or more different racial backgrounds, Daniel, 2002) constitute one of the fastest growing populations in the United States (Jones & Bullock, 2012); yet we know little regarding how they navigate the unique racial challenges of living in a monoracial society (Root, 1996). Our symposium aims to advance developmental science (SRCD Strategic Goal #1) by utilizing qualitative and person-centered quantitative studies to provide a nuanced understanding of how parents support and socialize multiracial youth. Using both parent self-reports and (college-age multiracial) children’s reports, these studies highlight parents’ role in preparing multiracial youth for race-related challenges and in building their resilience. By focusing on multiracial families, these studies also increase our understanding of diversity in developmental science (SRCD Strategic Goal #3).
In the first (qualitative) investigation, multiracial individuals’ perceptions of how their parents supported them and understood their unique multiracial experiences throughout their development are examined. In the second study, interviews with transracially adopted Korean American parents of multiracial children explore parents’ understanding of what it means to be a multiracial family, and how this informs the way they raise their children. In the third study, latent profile analyses aim to determine the types of ethnic-racial messages part-White multiracial individuals receive from their parents about their different racial backgrounds, and their associations with ethnic-racial identity. Finally, the discussant will provide future directions and meaningful applications of this research to practices and policies affecting the well-being of multiracial families (SRCD Strategic Goals #2 & #5).

Sub Unit

• Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Context

Chair

• Annabelle Lin Atkin, Arizona State University

Discussant

• Annamaria Csizmadia, University of Connecticut

Individual Presentations

• A Qualitative Examination of Multiracial Individuals’ Perceived Support from Parents - Presenting Author: Annabelle Lin Atkin, Arizona State University; Non-Presenting Author: Kelly F. Jackson, Arizona State University; Non-Presenting Author: Hyung Chol (Brandon) Yoo, Arizona State University

• Transracially Adopted Korean American Adults Raising Multiracial Children: A Qualitative Study - Presenting Author: Christine Wu, University of Minnesota; Non-Presenting Author: Samuel Lee, University of Minnesota; Non-Presenting Author: Xiang Zhou, University of Minnesota; Non-Presenting Author: JaeRan Kim, University of Washington; Non-Presenting Author: Heewon Lee, University of Minnesota; Non-Presenting Author: Richard Lee, University of Minnesota

• Parental Ethnic-Racial Socialization Messages Given to Multiracial College Students: A Latent Profile Analysis - Presenting Author: Noah Keita N'youngou Christophe, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Non-Presenting Author: Gabriela Livas Stein, University of North Carolina at Greensboro