Critical incidents in the development of (multi)ethnic-racial identity: Experiences of individuals with mixed ethnic-racial backgrounds in the U.S.

Authors

Megan Cardwell, University of Nebraska–LincolnFollow
Jordan Soliz, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Lisa Crockett, University of Nebraska-LincolnFollow
Gretchen Bergquist, California State University San BernardinoFollow

ORCID IDs

https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7283-1802 M.E. Cardwell

Date of this Version

2020

Citation

Published in Journal of Social and Personal Relationships 37:5 (2020), pp 1653–1672.

DOI: 10.1177/0265407520906256

Comments

Copyright © 2020 Megan E. Cardwell, Jordan Soliz, Lisa J. Crockett, and Gretchen L. Bergquist. Published by SAGE Publications. Used by permission.

Abstract

Secure ethnic-racial identity (ERI) is tied to well-being, especially for minority individuals; however, there is still little consensus on the key processes and optimal outcomes of various multiethnic-racial (ME-R; i.e., individuals with parents from different ethnic-racial groups) identity development models. In this study, we examine the critical incidents in personal and social relationships that are central to ME-R identity development. Twentynine ME-R individuals provided retrospective accounts of incidents and conversations they self-perceived to be critical to their ERI development. Four major themes emerged: incidents and conversations surrounding intergroup contact, confrontation, heritage, and appearance were all recalled as critical to ME-R identity development. These findings highlight the importance of studying the ways that ERI is constituted through interaction with others. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.