Multiracial Microaggressions and Latinx/a/o/White Individual’s Psychological Distress: The Role of Resilience Factors
The purpose of the present study was to gain insight into the lived experiences of Latinx/a/o/White multiracial individuals. This rapidly expanding population is often grouped with multiracial, Latinx/a/o, and White samples in the literature, leaving the unique experiences of this community largely underexplored. The aim of the current study was to explore the relationship between multiracial microaggressions and psychological distress among individuals with one biological Latinx/a/o parent and one biological White parent. Utilizing a resilience lens, potential protective factors (i.e., self-esteem, multiracial pride) were explored as moderators. A total of 304 Latinx/a/o/White multiracial individuals, primarily of Mexican descent, participated in the present study. The findings indicated that multiracial microaggressions and multiracial pride significantly and positively predicted psychological distress, whereas self-esteem significantly and negatively predicted psychological distress. Regarding moderation effects, self-esteem weakened the relationship between multiracial microaggressions and psychological distress, while multiracial pride exacerbated the significant relationship. The findings of this study provide important clinical implications for providers working with Latinx/a/o/White multiracial individuals, as well as highlight some of the unique strengths and challenges faced by this community.
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