Navigating Identity and Belongingness: Racial Identity Invalidation and Psychological Well-Being Among Multiracial College Students

Abstract

The following study investigated the relationship between racial identity invalidation (RIIS) and psychological well-being (PWBS) among multiracial college students. The study examined racial socialization (RSSQ), multiracial identity integration (MII), and belongingness (GBS) as potential moderators. The sample consisted of 119 multiracial college students, with most of the sample identifying as Asian multiracial, aged between 18–24 years old, and attending a public or state university. The study used self-report questionnaires and a cross-sectional correlational study design. Pearson correlations, hierarchical linear regressions, and linear regressions were analyzed to test the study hypotheses. Racial identity invalidation was not a significant predictor of psychological well-being within the current sample. Additionally, racial socialization was found to positively predict psychological well-being. Multiracial identity conflict was seen to negatively predict psychological well-being. Belongingness was the strongest predictor of psychological well-being, explaining 49% of variance. Regarding the moderation hypotheses, no significant interactions were found between variables. The present research concluded psychological well-being among multiracial students may be dependent on internal identity and connection to others rather than exposure to racial invalidation alone. Future research could center on the longitudinal effects of interventions, expanding the research to a broader multiracial population, and studying subscale specific interventions.