Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

1-1-2024

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D. in Psychology

First Advisor

Joseph D. Wellman

Second Advisor

Carrie V. Smith

Third Advisor

Grace N. Rivera

School

University of Mississippi

Relational Format

dissertation/thesis

Abstract

Multiracial individuals are one of the fastest growing racial groups within the United States and often experience discrimination from other members of the racial groups they belong to. However, when examining how others respond to claims of discrimination, researchers often focus on responses directed at monoracial claimants. Thus, in three studies (N = 966) I examined how individuals respond to and evaluate Multiracial (Black/White) individuals who made a claim of discrimination. I find that others’ responses to Multiracial claimants differ based on the racial identity they make salient within their claim itself. Specifically, Black and White perceivers had more negative responses and less desire to interact with a Multiracial claimant who claimed to experience discrimination for being White than a Multiracial claimant who claimed discrimination for being Black or Multiracial. Moreover, Black individuals perceived claims of White discrimination made by a Multiracial person imposed greater social costs to Black people. Responses to Multiracial individuals who claimed discrimination for being Black or Multiracial did not consistently differ. Overall, my results provide insights into how discrimination claims made by Multiracial individuals are perceived and the perceived consequences they may have.

Available for download on Sunday, November 22, 2026

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