Identity exploration, identity confusion, and openness as predictors of multicultural ideology

•Little is known about individual differences associated with multicultural ideology.•We tested openness, identity exploration, and identity confusion.•Each of the three was unique predictor of multiculturalism.•Exploration predicted multiculturalism only when identity confusion was low.

Research has indicated benefits to individuals and society of holding a multicultural versus colorblind ideology. This cross-sectional study tested the association of endorsement of multiculturalism with the individual difference constructs of identity exploration, identity confusion, and openness. Participants were 188 college students who completed a survey. Multiple regression analyses indicated that identity exploration, identity confusion, and openness independently predicted multicultural ideology. Additionally, identity exploration and identity confusion interacted such that identity exploration was associated with multiculturalism when identity confusion was low, but not when identity confusion was high. These findings indicate that general individual differences in personality and identity are predictive of cultural-related attitudes, and have implications for the design of interventions aimed at increasing multiculturalism.