Stereotype Threat, Black Consciousness, Racial Identity, and Psychological Wellbeing: Examining the Fluidity of Biracial Identity

Abstract

To date, the majority of research surrounding stereotype threat explores the experiences of monoracial minorities, with little research exploring the intersection of individuals who hold multiple racial identities. Research purports that stereotype threat reduces psychological wellbeing while factors such as Black consciousness and racial identity alignment may serve as buffers against stereotype threat. The present study (N = 350) extended previous research by exploring the accuracy of the Biracial Identity Scale (BIS) and the constructs of Black consciousness and racial identity alignment, using latent profile analysis. It was hypothesized that a 4-class solution would be found, mirroring that of the BIS. Additionally, A Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) explored if the latent profiles produced significant differences in relation to psychological wellbeing and stereotype threat susceptibility. Finally, a path analysis was used to examine whether Black consciousness and racial identity alignment predicted psychological wellbeing as mediated by stereotype susceptibility. Participants (age range = 18 and 69) were recruited through convenience sampling and responded to a survey-based questionnaire assessing stereotype threat susceptibility, psychological wellbeing, racial identity alignment, and Black consciousness. Results indicated that a 3-class model was the best fitting model, suggesting that the BIS is not the most accurate scale for biracial Black White samples. The MANOVA demonstrated that biracial identity was a significant predictor of psychological wellbeing and stereotype threat susceptibility. Finally, Black consciousness explained 17% variance in stereotype threat susceptibility and racial identity alignment explained 32% of the variance in stereotype threat susceptibility. Additionally, racial identity alignment explained 35% of variance in psychological wellbeing, while stereotype threat susceptibility explained 29% of variance in psychological wellbeing. Implications for academic and clinical settings are discussed.