Investigating Discrimination Experiences and Multicultural Identity Configurations using Mixed-methods

The present research uses mixed-methods to examine discrimination as a predictor of how multicultural individuals negotiate and configure their different cultural identities within the self. We focused on three multicultural identity configurations (Amiot et al., 2007): having one predominant identity (categorization), compartmentalizing one’s different identities, and integrating one’s identities. Study 1: Life story narrative interviews (McAdams, 1985) were conducted with 22 multiculturals. Explicit and implicit forms of discrimination were examined using a microaggressions framework (Nadal, 2011; Sue et al., 2007). Several discrimination themes emerged alongside the identity configurations, including bullying, identity denial, exoticism and sexual degradation as well as appropriation. Participants’ reflections on their discrimination experiences and their identity configurations will be discussed. Correlation analyses also revealed a positive link between discrimination and compartmentalization. Study 2: Quantitative methods were employed to examine the large-scale patterns between discrimination and the identity configurations. Since discrimination is related to intraindividual discordance and is stressful, we examined the mediating role of stress in the associations between discrimination and the identity configurations in 259 multicultural individuals. Discrimination predicted greater compartmentalization. Mediation analyses revealed that greater discrimination predicted compartmentalization through greater stress, while lower discrimination predicted greater identity integration through lower stress. Categorization was not predicted by discrimination or by stress. Stress appears to have a depleting role that hampers multiculturals’ capacity to reconcile their identities into a cohesive whole. The implications of discrimination experiences for multiculturals’ identity negotiation will be discussed in the broader context of our diverse societies.