Article 1
The article explores identity formation among individuals of Asian background who were adopted by Caucasian parents (Mohanty, 2013). The study was conducted using an online survey to collect data related to identity in relation to ethnic and racial socialization, ethnic neighbourhoods and self-esteem (Mohanty, 2013). The terms ethnic socialization and racial socialization are key terms mentioned in this study (Mohanty, 2013). Ethnic socialization refers to the involvement of adoptees in cultural activities to promote their development of racial identities (Mohanty, 2013). Racial socialization involves teaching and preparing children to appropriately deal with racial discrimination and prejudice (Mohanty, 2013). The participants were a group of 100 individuals, ranging from ages 14 to 26 and were adopted from an Asian country (Mohanty, 2013). Measurement categories included ethnic and racial socialization, adoptive identity, ethnic identity, ego identity, self-esteem, ethnic neighbourhood (Mohanty, 2013). Hypotheses were tested for using these categories (Mohanty, 2013). It was mentioned that when adoptive parents avoided race socialization, it led to challenges for adoptees in developing their identity thus affecting their self-esteem (Mohanty, 2013). There has also been evidence of increased self-esteem among adopted Korean children and living in a community with a diverse population (Mohanty, 2013). Furthermore, residing in a community with individuals who share the adoptees ethnic origin, allows them to interact with individuals who are similar to them in that way (Mohanty, 2013). This may also have an impact on the adoptee’s development related to their identity (Mohanty, 2013). A major finding from this research study is the link between racial socialization and development of identity along with psychological wellbeing (Mohanty, 2013).
Mohanty, J. (2013). Ethnic and racial socialization and self-esteem of Asian adoptees: The mediating role of multiple identities. Journal of Adolescence, 36(1), 161–170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2012.10.003
Adoption and Identity 