Alexandria Digital Research Library

Exploring the "chameleon experience" through the lens of multiracial people

Author:
Noriega, Erika
Degree Grantor:
University of California, Santa Barbara. Counseling, Clinical & School Psychology
Degree Supervisor:
Melissa L. Morgan-Consoli
Place of Publication:
[Santa Barbara, Calif.]
Publisher:
University of California, Santa Barbara
Creation Date:
2016
Issued Date:
2016
Topics:
Counseling Psychology, Ethnic studies, and Psychology
Keywords:
Multiracial
CQR
Psychology
Biracial
Chameleon
Qualitative research
Genres:
Online resources and Dissertations, Academic
Dissertation:
Ph.D.--University of California, Santa Barbara, 2016
Description:

The "chameleon experience," or the phenomenon of fitting in with different ethnoracial groups, has been suggested to be a common occurrence for multiracial individuals, however, has not been fully studied in the field of psychology. It has yet to be determined what or how the chameleon experience functions for multiracial people and how it impacts this population. This study explored the "chameleon experience" in order to gain a deeper understanding of the process and its influence on multiracial individuals. The study included qualitative interviews with twelve self-identified multiracial participants who reported having experienced changing their behavior in order to fit in with different ethnoracial groups. CQR analysis approach revealed three domains (Fitting-in, Not Fitting-in, and the Impact of Blending-in), fifteen categories, and ten subcategories. Results included Strategies to fit-in, Experiences of Marginalization, as well as moments of Empowerment, Disidentification, and Consciousness. Limitations and future directions for practice and research are discussed.

Physical Description:
1 online resource (137 pages)
Format:
Text
Collection(s):
UCSB electronic theses and dissertations
ARK:
ark:/48907/f3sj1ks5
ISBN:
9781369575910
Catalog System Number:
990047512140203776
Rights:
Inc.icon only.dark In Copyright
Copyright Holder:
Erika Noriega-Pigg
File Description
Access: Public access
NoriegaPigg_ucsb_0035D_13252.pdf pdf (Portable Document Format)