Biracial identity, psychological outcomes, and the role of identity autonomy

Psychol Trauma. 2026 Nov 9. doi: 10.1037/tra0002319. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Racial identity invalidation occurs when others deny an individual’s racial group membership. This stressor can detrimentally impact psychological well-being and may contribute to the development of race-based traumatic stress. While singular instances of invalidation can be distressing, prolonged exposure to racial identity invalidation may evoke a sustained stress response. This study examines how identity autonomy mediates the relationship between racial identity invalidation and psychological well-being among minority-White biracial individuals, shedding light on the risk and protective factors associated with race-based traumatic stress.

METHOD: Participants (N = 237) were biracial individuals who completed an online questionnaire that included the Identity Autonomy Scale, Racial Identity Invalidation Scale, Depression and Anxiety Scale subscale of Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21, and Self-Esteem Scale.

RESULTS: A structural equation model tested mediation effects, revealing significant indirect effects of autonomy on invalidation and anxiety symptoms (β = 0.06, p < .05) and invalidation on self-esteem (β = -0.09, p < .05).

CONCLUSION: Identity autonomy plays a critical role as a mechanism through which racial identity invalidation contributes to specific types of psychological risks. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

PMID:43002508 | DOI:10.1037/tra0002319