The Intersectionality Between Bi and Multiracial College Students’ Self-identification and Their Behaviors—A Pilot Study

TL;DR

This pilot study explores health behaviors and identity challenges among bi and multiracial college students, highlighting gaps in understanding their unique experiences.

Contribution

The study introduces a new focus on health disparities and identity dynamics specific to bi and multiracial individuals.

Findings

40% of participants tried cigarettes, and 53% tried e-vapor products.

Participants reported themes of situational identity and pressure to explain their racial identity.

Three major influence categories—Genetics, Culture/Heritage, and Environment—were identified as affecting health behaviors.

Abstract

Due to limited information and published research, health disparities among bi and multiracial (B/MR) groups are not as understood as other racial groups. Without this knowledge and ability to allocate resources as needed, this is another racial group that could suffer from poorer health outcomes. As a result, participants (n = 15) were placed in focus groups or individual interviews with ten qualitative questions. Each participant then completed an anonymous quantitative survey assessing their health-related behaviors. Quantitative results included 40% (n = 6) of participants who tried cigarettes, 53% (n = 8) who tried electronic vapor products, and only 20% (n = 3) of participants who got the recommended hours of sleep nightly. Qualitative results include themes of situational identity, White assimilation, and pressure to explain their identity. Many participants dealt with the insensitivity that one side of their family exhibited towards the other side of their identity through inappropriate jokes and comments. Lastly, there were expectations from both family and friends to act a certain way. Researchers identified three major categories that the participant’s influences fell into. Genetics, Culture/Heritage, and the Environment are the aforementioned categories that can work together or stand alone to influence behaviors that can ultimately affect health outcomes. While these results are based on a small sample size (n = 15) of undergraduate B/MR students, it does suggest that researchers should complete a more extensive survey on this racial group to verify these findings.

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