The Cultural-Racial Identity Model: Understanding the Racial Identity and Cultural Identity Development of Transracial Adoptees.

Counseling psychologists have yet to study the counseling needs of transracially adopted children. The intent of this paper is to present a model that increases understanding of possible adaptations of transracial adoptees. Race and culture of adoptees, parents, and that reflected within the community in which the family resides are all highlighted as critical in conceptualizing the unique needs and experiences that transracial adoptees may bring to counseling. The model proposes that transracial adoptees' cultural identities are composed of both racial group cultural identity and the cultural identity of their parents, and that transracial adoptees' racial identities are composed of a combination of their own racial identity and that of their adoptive parents. In addition, an individual may have a unique cultural adaptation that is qualitatively different from that of the parents and the racial group. The model as diagrammed has two axes, a cultural identity axis and a racial identity axis. Future research might address the psychological adjustment and sense of well-being of transracial adoptees across all cells of this model. (Contains 3 figures and 39 references.) (Author/SLD) *********************************************************************** Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. *********************************************************************** RUNNING HEAD: Transracial Adoptees The Cultural-Racial Identity Model: Understanding the Racial Identity and Cultural Identity Development of Transracial Adoptees IJ S DE RAHlt.IENT OF EDUCATION EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES INFORMATION CENTER (ERIC) X..lit..,..,...i,dv.,:dcult:::::;v:..1;;:c.:: 1(0.11,,,t,,Itlinc,C;(10,,I;, oi:d.nal,m) ,t O Max. chanry, hay, Unnn made tr. .,,,Twwo Ppl., Lirl...n L1.1:flay P, staled m this 00..,,pnont dn nnl nnt d.inly reproseuil OLRI iro.tlinn n! rn11,7 Robbie J. Steward Michigan State University 436 Erickson Hall East Lansing, MI 48824 517-355-8502 (0) 517-347-9464 (H)