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Discussions about Racial and Ethnic Differences in Internationally Adoptive Families: Links with Family Engagement,
Kayla N Anderson1, Martha A Rueter2, Richard M Lee3
1doctoral candidate in the Department of Family Social Science, University of Minnesota, 290 McNeal Hall, 1985 Buford Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55108, University of Minnesota.
Family communication, including maternal control and adolescent engagement, influences how transracial adoptive families discuss racial and ethnic differences. This shapes their multiracial or multiethnic family identity construction.
Area of Science:
- Family Studies
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology of Race and Ethnicity
Background:
- International, transracial adoptive families navigate constructing multiracial/multiethnic identities.
- Family communication's role in discussing racial and ethnic differences is understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine how family communication constructs (engagement, warmth, control) relate to discussions of racial and ethnic differences in adoptive families.
- To understand the influence of communication on multiracial/multiethnic family identity formation.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 111 families with adolescents adopted internationally from South Korea.
- Observed family communication and discussions about racial/ethnic differences at mid- and late-adolescence.
Main Results:
- Higher maternal control and adolescent engagement were linked to acknowledging racial/ethnic differences and forming a cohesive identity.
- Adolescent engagement also correlated with disagreement about differences and less cohesive identity construction.
Conclusions:
- Family communication dynamics significantly impact how transracial adoptive families discuss and integrate racial/ethnic differences.
- Maternal control and adolescent engagement are key factors in identity development within these families.
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