AbstractsPsychology

The multiracial-multiethnic population has grown significantly over the past 50 years, and about half of the current multiracial-multiethnic population is under the age of 18. A majority of the research conducted on this population has focused on the identity development of the multiracial-multiethnic individual. The available literature about multiracial-multiethnic identity development emphasizes healthy views about mixed race and ethnicity as a focal point for the well-being, self-esteem, and personal identity development of this population. This view includes the recent shift towards accepting the racial-ethnic identity of the multiracial-multiethnic individual regardless of how the person self-identifies. Race and racial issues have also been found to be a challenging and emotional process for parents raising multiracial-multiethnic children, particularly when discussing issues of discrimination. The purpose of this project is to provide a story-workbook that can be used by interracial-interethnic families with children 5-8. It is designed to help families discuss issues about race and ethnicity in order to promote a healthy identity development within the family system, and for the child as he/she grows.