Racial Identity and Self-Esteem: Problems Peculiar to Biracial Children

Posted in Articles, Identity Development/Psychology, Media Archive, United States on 2010-06-21 02:21Z by Steven

Racial Identity and Self-Esteem: Problems Peculiar to Biracial Children

Journal of the American Academy of Child Psychiatry
Volume 24, Issue 2, (March 1985)
Pages 150-153
DOI: 10.1016/S0002-7138(09)60440-4

Michael R. Lyles, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry
University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Antronette Yancey, M.D.
University of Kentucky College of Medicine

Candis Grace, M.D.
University of Kentucky College of Medicine

James H. Carter, M.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
Duke University Medical Center

This report illustrates several identity problems peculiar to a child of black and white parentage, who was reared by a white maternal grandmother in the South. The pervasive racial bigotry of the child’s family and community is contrasted with the child’s intrapsychic struggle for positive identity and self-esteem. The course of dynamic psychotherapy with this child is portrayed, with pertinent treatment issues dilineated and recommendations for therapy proposed.

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