Department or Program

Psychology

Abstract

Transracial Asian American adoptees often navigate unique identity challenges from racial trauma, cultural disconnection, and exclusion in institutional and social contexts. While racial socialization has been identified as a protective factor that can foster self-esteem, transracial adoptees have been underrepresented in this area of research. This study explores racial socialization, belonging, and self-esteem among transracial Asian American adoptees. Study 1 explores racial-ethnic-cultural belonging as a potential mediator linking racial socialization and self-esteem. Study 1 consists of a quantitative survey (N = 133) to test a mediation model linking racial socialization and self-esteem through racial-ethnic-cultural belonging. Results demonstrate that the mediation model was not supported; however, qualitative evidence from Study 2 offers alternative explanations. Study 2 involves using a thematic analysis approach and conducting one-on-one interviews with 12 diverse transracial Asian American adoptee participants to examine how the intersection of racial and adoptive identity shapes their experiences with belonging and well-being. Four themes were identified: (a) realizing disconnection, (b) acknowledging the structural cause, (c) seeing oneself in others, and (d) freeing the self. This mixed-method research helps inform psychological and counseling practice and address belonging and identity development among transracial Asian American adoptees.

Level of Access

Restricted: Embargoed [Bates Community After Expiration]

First Advisor

Garrison, Yun

Date of Graduation

5-2026

Degree Name

Bachelor of Arts

Number of Pages

82

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Embargoed

Available to Bates Community via local IP address or Bates login on Saturday, May 01, 2027.

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