Publication Date
Spring 4-21-2020
School
School of Behavioral Sciences
Major
Psychology: Human Services Counseling
Keywords
Biracial, Bi-ethnic, Identity Development, Christianity, Racial Identity
Disciplines
Other Psychology | Psychology | Social Psychology
Recommended Citation
Schiro, Carina, "Check One Box and One Box Only: Christianity and Biracial/Bi-ethnic Identity Development" (2020). Senior Honors Theses. 1002.
https://digitalcommons.liberty.edu/honors/1002
Abstract
A phenomenological overview showed the current understanding and conceptualization held by biracial and bi-ethnic individuals of their racial identity development. While the literature on biracial identity development recently expanded, there is little research done on the various coping mechanisms and mindsets used to create a solidified sense of racial identity in biracial and bi-ethnic individuals. Additionally, there is no research investigating Christianity’s influence on biracial identity development. Such research could bring greater understanding to the various ways double racial consciousness has impacted the lives of multicultural individuals. Furthermore, investigations have brought greater understanding of the different identity resolutions individuals have made amid racial ambiguity, the factors that helped encapsulate their identity formation, and how the Christian faith impacted this process. For the further investigation of this topic, bi-ethnic and biracial individuals between the ages of 18-28 were interviewed. The qualitative data were transcribed, coded, and analyzed for potential patterns to contribute to existing literature. Research yielded ten influential factors that included phenotypical appearance, societal designation of identity, racial profiling and discrimination, peer influence, familial integration, language, media, dating, international schooling, and Christianity.
