Proston's Model Of Biracial Identity

Proston’s model of biracial identity development is a process which children go through in order to find their identity. It is important for children to know their heritage and to have an affirmation of their identity. The proton’s model of biracial identity is composed of five stages which are; Personal identify, choice of group categorization, enmeshment/denial, appreciation and integration. Each stage plays an important role in the model.
Personal identify is the stage in which children begin to find their personal identity. Coleman, (2013), states “It is important that adults not overact to children’s questions or concerns about their racial heritage.” (p.167) In other words adult need to understand that children are going through a stage in which they’re learning to find their identity. When children have an understanding of their heritage they tend to adjust better to their environment. …show more content…
Coleman, (2013), states “Many children choose to make one racial heritage dominant over the other.” (p.167) Children have a hard type deciding which heritage identifies them the most but at the end they identify themselves with the most dominant heritage. The influence of family and peers influences the children’s decisions when it comes to racial heritage.
Enmeshment/denial is the stage in which children experience confusion and guilt. Coleman, (2013), states “Children who selected a dominant racial identity in the previous stage may feel alienated from the subordinate racial group.” (p.167) In other words children may feel that they don’t belong to the other racial group but at the same time feel guilt of choosing one over the other. All children should have the opportunity to explore their racial heritages and choose the racial heritage they identify themselves with the