It can be safely assumed that the life experiences of people of mixed race are somewhat different than their mono-racial counterparts. The plethora of books and websites that speak to bi-racial issues are testament to this assumption. These experiences include obvious differences such as physical appearances, but also subtle and sometimes invisible social and psychological variances.
Being aware of these differences are key to providing the necessary support and adequate resources to this growing population. If, for example, bi-racial children are at greater risk of psychological disorders, then parents and professionals need to understand the factors that contribute to the risk so as to be proactive in addressing potential issues before they arise.
Nolan Zane, professor of psychology and Asian American studies at University of California (UC) Davis, is at the forefront of coming to such awareness. ‘We cannot underestimate the importance of understanding the social, psychological and experiential differences that may increase the likelihood of psychological disorders among this fast-growing segment of the population.”
The National Latino and Asian American Study conducted the largest nationally representative survey of Asian Americans. Results from this study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, revealed that psychological disorders such as anxiety, depression or substance abuse were diagnosed in 34 percent of bi-racial individuals. This finding creates cause for concern when compared to only 17 percent of mono-racial individuals.
Even after factors such as age, gender and life stress were controlled for differences among the study group, Asian Americans (Filipino, Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese) mixed with Caucasian were found to be twice as likely to suffer from psychological disorders than individuals born from parents of the same race.
Mental health professionals are ill equipped to address this pressing issue. Kyaien D. O’Quinn is a licensed social worker. She argues current theories and models are focused on the individual, which at first glance might seem completely logical. Approaching clients as individuals helps to distinguish the uniqueness of each personality. O’Quinn has found, however, a crack in these methods “which do not account for the environmental and socio-cultural factors that affect a biracial individual’s ability to develop a positive racial identity.”
The development of racial identity is the most significant issue encountered by young bi-racial children. In 2009, the California Child Care Health Program stated that for “young biracial or bicultural children it is a fluid or changing identity, depending on the child’s development and environment.” Of course, struggles and conflicts are inevitable for all children as they develop their identity, however, it is doubly difficult for children to process dual identities.
Socialization has a heavy hand in the development process. If the child is subjected to a negative social environment, it is almost certain he or she will suffer some sort of ill effect as an adult. This is even more assured if the parents separate or divorce; whichever parent is absent in the home will, to some degree, represent an absence of at least half of the child’s identity. Counselors and parents would be well served in finding ways to build the child’s self-esteem, especially during middle school when children begin to create more concrete ideas and opinions about race.
The pressures of social environments also lead children to make hard choices between races. Whether the child yields to the pressure or remains undecided, the process of choosing can create considerable tension and insecurity. Not addressed, it is highly likely racial uncertainties and ambiguities will develop into anxieties and/or depression in adulthood. The burden to assist biracial children cannot remain the sole responsibility of parents, however. As society has its fair share in constructing a child’s racial identity, social service providers must be ready and able to help and support these children as they mature into adults.