The Shady Spectrum

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between identification and perceptions of rejection among multiracial indivdiuals. Following the Rejection Identification Model (RIM; Branscombe, Schmitt, & Harvey, 1999), it was hypothesized that multiracial individuals with lighter skin tones will perceive less rejection than multiracial individuals with darker skin tones. It was also hypothesized that perceptions of rejection from one racial ingroup will be associated with identification with their other racial group. A total of 41 multiracial individuals took an online survey assessing group-based rejection, identification, and perceived skin tone. The results were not supportive of the hypotheses. In contrast to what was hypothesized, the more participants perceived rejection with one of their racial groups, the less they identified from their other racial group. Moreover, there were no significant differences on perceptions of rejection based on skin tone. Implication for research on multiracial identity and the rejection identification model is discussed.