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Ethnic Identity and Psychological Well‐Being of International Transracial Adoptees: A Curvilinear Relationship
Author(s) -
Mohanty Jayashree
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
new directions for child and adolescent development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.628
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1534-8687
pISSN - 1520-3247
DOI - 10.1002/cad.20117
Subject(s) - ethnic group , psychology , developmental psychology , identity (music) , social psychology , sociology , anthropology , physics , acoustics
Research in general has shown a beneficial effect of ethnic identity on adoptees’ psychological well‐being. However, studies also indicate that overemphasis on birth culture and racial/ethnic differences may negatively impact adoptees’ overall adjustment. Using Rojewski's ([Rojewski, J., 2005]) and Brodzinsky's ([Brodzinsky, D. M., 1987]) propositions of a balanced approach to adoption and culture issues, this study examines the curvilinear relationship between ethnic identity and psychological well‐being of international adoptees (i.e., psychological well‐being will be high when ethnic identity is moderate instead of either low or high). Using data from a study on identity development and psychological well‐being in international adoptees, the hypothesized relationship was examined among 100 internationally adopted Asian adolescents and young adults placed with White parents in the United States. Results indicated that a moderate level of ethnic identity was associated with positive esteem, whereas low and high levels of ethnic identity were related to low self‐esteem. Implications for practice and research are discussed.