Abstract
In the present cross-sectional investigation, we explored the differences in exposure to early-life trauma and adversity, mindfulness, psychological distress, and wellbeing in Mixed individuals (i.e., multiracial, bi-racial; n = 226), compared with monoracial individuals (n = 865). The study participants were 1091 emerging adult undergraduate students (72.0% female, 27.2% male, 0.8% other; Mage = 19.51, SD = 1.60) recruited from a racially diverse population in Hawai‘i. Overall, results revealed that more exposure to early-life trauma and adversity (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ACE module) was related to lower levels of mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire) and wellbeing (Satisfaction With Life Scale) and higher levels of psychological distress (Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21). Mixed individuals were significantly more likely to have experienced two or more exposures to traumatic events, and significantly less likely to experience one or no exposures compared to the monoracial group. However, no statistically significant differences were found between the two groups on mindfulness, psychological distress, or wellbeing. We also discuss implications of the present findings for counselors, limitations of the study, and future directions in this line of research pertaining to mixed individuals.