Although current multiracial identity development models take into consideration the impact of appearance in identity development, minimal research exists explaining the depth of this impact or fully examines the potential impact when self-identification does not match perceived social identification of multiracial individuals. The purpose of this study was to use constructivist grounded theory to investigate how physical appearance influenced the ways in which multiracial college students defined their racial identity, how they perceived society to define their racial identity, and how this intersection impacted their multiracial identity development. By expanding multiracial research to specifically examine the intersection between internal and external perceptions of multiracial identity among students within a higher educational setting, this study fills a significant gap in current literature.

The following research questions guided the study including: (1) How does appearance play a role in the self-identification of multiracial individuals? (2) How does appearance influence societal perceptions of multiracial individuals? (3) How does self and societal racial identification impact multiracial identity development? (4) What are the differences and similarities in how multiracial individuals define their identity and how they perceive society to define their racial identity? (5) If societal perceptions differ from self-identification, how does this impact multiracial identity development?

Ten college students participated in this study along with 26 photo reviewers. The ten participants’ first round of interviews focused on their multiracial experiences including their racial appearance and its impact on their internal identity, their perceived societal identity, family and peer dynamics, and student involvement and interests. Participants also provided a headshot, which was viewed by 26 photo reviewers. Reviewers responded to interviewer questions pertaining to the perceived racial appearance of each participant. The interviewer discussed the results of the photo review sessions during a second round of interviews with the ten participants, and a theory emerged to explain the impact of racial appearance on multiracial identity development.