Identity Formation Among Mixed-Race Youth and the Experiences of Second-Generation Immigrants

Research Discussion
Your Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s Name
June 30, 2023
My first area of profound interest for research lies in examining identity formation among mixed-race youth. As the parent of mixed-race children, I bear daily witness to their nuanced struggles in their quest for self-identification. From the continual barrage of queries like "what are they," indicative of society's unrelenting need to categorize them, to engaging in holidays that recognize the disparate elements of their ancestry, the journey of mixed-race youth towards self-discovery is multifaceted and complex. Accordingly, recent research indicates that this population has shown a significant uptick in suicide attempts, suggesting a harrowing connection between the tumultuous voyage of identity formation and mental health issues (Nguyen et al., 2023; Kang et al., 2022). This personal proximity and these unsettling trends draw me to delve deeper into this issue. I hope to contribute valuable insights to this under-explored field and possibly inform future policies and support structures that may mitigate these challenges.
My second research topic of interest is embedded in the experiences of second-generation immigrants, again deeply personal as my children are part of this demographic. I observe their battles of straddling two worlds, an existence punctuated by the conflict between their intrinsic sense of self and the weight of their rich heritage (Karras et al., 2022). They grapple with the juxtaposition of honoring traditions passed down from their parent's home countries while simultaneously seeking integration into the modern culture of their birth country (Braden et al., 2022). Furthermore, they bear the burden of discrimination, microaggressions, and racism, often stemming from evident differences such as language barriers, accents, and dress choices (Yeo et al., 2019). This personally resonant and academically compelling topic provides a rich arena for exploration. These lived experiences offer valuable insights into the intricate labyrinth of immigrant life and can potentially guide societal efforts toward inclusivity and effective support systems.
Finally, the process warrants careful consideration when choosing a research committee chair and members. I value a chair unafraid to challenge me, fostering my growth by asking difficult questions that push my intellectual boundaries. Equally important is the ability of the chair to provide candid feedback, both commendation and constructive cri...