Module – Who am I? Who are you? Lesson 3 – Forging an identity.

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Lesson 3 – Forging an identity A Summary of Models ◦ Tripartite Model of Personality Development Tripartite Model of Personality Development ◦ African American Identity Development African American Identity Development ◦ White Identity Development White Identity Development ◦ Multi-Racial Identity Development Multi-Racial Identity Development ◦ Gay/Lesbian Identity Development Gay/Lesbian Identity Development ◦ Transgender Identity Development Transgender Identity Development The Layering Effect A Critique of the Model Approach References

A Summary of Models Tripartite Model of Personality DevelopmentTripartite Model of Personality Development, African American Identity Development, White Identity Development, Multi- Racial Identity Development, Gay/Lesbian Identity Development, Transgender Identity DevelopmentAfrican American Identity DevelopmentWhite Identity DevelopmentMulti- Racial Identity DevelopmentGay/Lesbian Identity DevelopmentTransgender Identity Development

OBJECTIVE #1 Describe the individual, group, and universal levels of the Tripartite Model of Personality development as they relate to the Asian saying, “All individuals, in many respects, are (a) like no other individuals, (b) like some individuals, and (c) like all other individuals.”

Tripartite Model of Personality Development Individual ◦ “We are all unique” Group ◦ Shapes how we see ourselves and others Universal ◦ “We are all the same”

African American Identity Development Pre-encounter ◦ Internalization of society’s attitudes Encounter ◦ Event forces re-evaluation Immersion/emersion ◦ Reversal Internalization ◦ Secure about identity [click]

White Identity Development Assumptions ◦ Racial attitudes are central part of identity  Contact Status  Unaware of racism / discrimination / privilege / prejudices  Hold opposing beliefs  White is superior / Other is inferior  Race and culture don’t matter  Healthy identity requires abandonment of these racial attitudes

White Identity Model continued Disintegration Reintegration Pseudoindependence Immersion Autonomy [click]

Multi-Racial Identity Development Multi-Racial Identity (Poston, 1990)Multi-Racial Identity (Root, 2004) Personal identity Choice of a group Enmeshment / denial Appreciation Integration Resolution of Process ◦ Accept assigned identity ◦ Identify w/ all groups ◦ Identify w/ single group ◦ Identity w/ “mixed” or new group

Objective #7 Describe the stages of “coming out” as experienced by gays and lesbians, according to Cass (1979) model

The “Coming Out” Process Confusion Comparison Tolerance Acceptance Pride Synthesis

Objective #10 Discuss existing models of developing a transgender identity

Transgender Identity Development Exiting a Traditional Gendered Identity Developing a Personal Transgender Identity Developing a Transgender Social Identity Becoming a Transgender Offspring Developing a Transgender Intimacy Status Entering a Transgender Community [click]

Objective #5 Summarize the complex identity process for multiracial and layered identities

The Layering Effect ◦ “triple jeopardy” ◦ Belong to many groups, although one may be more important ◦ Dependent upon the situation and the person [click]

Objective #9 Criticize the issues that arise from using models to describe identify formation

A Critique of the Model Approach Assumes a linear progression Not all minorities begin with idealization of whiteness Assumes the final stage is the “healthiest” Generational differences possible Overemphasis on reactions to racism Lacking empirical evidence

GLBT Issues Sampling Issues ◦ Adult populations (introspective experiences) ◦ “Out” GLBT population ◦ Great variation of transgender community Limitations ◦ Models for gays and lesbians (not heterosexuals) ◦ Little research on bisexual and transgender identities

References Bilodeau, B. and Renn, K. (2005). Analysis of LBGT Identity Development Models and Implications for Practice. Retrieved September 20, 2009 from Mio, J.S., Barker, L., & Tumambing, J. (2009). Multicultural Psychology: Understanding Our Diverse Communities (2 nd ed.). New York, NY: McGraw- Hill. Pardo, T. (2008, March). Growing Up Transgender: Research and Theory. Retrieved September 20, 2009 from