A CORRELATIONAL STUDY EXAMINING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN REJECTION FROM DOMINANT AND MINORITY INGROUPS AND MULTIRACIAL SELF-IDENTIFICATION

Abstract

The current study examined the relationship between the ways in which multiracial individuals identify and their perceptions of rejection from both dominant and minority ingroup members. Following the Rejection Identification Model (RIM; Branscombe, Schmitt, & Harvey, 1999), it was hypothesized that multiracial individuals will identify more strongly with their minority ingroup than their dominant ingroup (e.g., White ingroup). It was also hypothesized that perceptions and experiences of discrimination from dominant racial groups will be associated with minority ingroup identification. The results provided significant support for the hypothesis. In line with what was hypothesized, participants more strongly identified with their minority ingroup in comparison to their dominant ingroup. In addition, there was a strong positive relationship between perceptions of rejection from the dominant racial ingroup and minority group identification. Implication for research on multiracial identity and the rejection identification model is discussed.