A Qualitative Examination of Multiracial Students’ Coping Responses to Experiences with Prejudice and Discrimination in College |
Journal of College Student Development
Volume 56, Number 4, May 2015
pages 331-348
DOI: 10.1353/csd.2015.0041
Samuel D. Museus, Associate Professor of Higher Education
Morgridge College of Education
University of Denver
Susan A. Lambe Sariñana, Clinical Psychologist
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Tasha Kawamata Ryan
National data indicate that multiracial individuals comprise a substantial and growing proportion of the US population, but this community is often invisible in higher education research and discourse. This study aims to increase knowledge of mixed-race students in higher education by examining the ways in which they cope with experienced prejudice and discrimination in college. Findings indicate that multiracial college students cope with prejudice and discrimination by educating others about multiracial issues, utilizing support networks, embracing fluidity of multiracial identity, and avoiding confrontation with sources of prejudice and discrimination. Implications for research and practice are discussed.
Tags: Journal of College Student Development, Samuel D. Museus, Susan A. Lambe Sarinana, Tasha Kawamata Ryan