Ethnic-racial discrimination experiences and ethnic-racial identity predict adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment: Evidence for a compensatory risk-resilience model

Abstract

Theory and empirical evidence indicate that ethnic-racial discrimination serves as a risk factor for adolescents’ psychosocial adjustment, whereas ethnic-racial identity (ERI) development promotes positive youth adjustment and can mitigate the negative outcomes of discrimination-related risk. In Colombia, the legacies of an ethnic-racial hierarchy, mestizaje ideology (i.e., the assumption that everyone is racially mixed), and contemporary multiculturalism education reforms create a unique context for understanding adolescents’ experiences of ethnic-racial discrimination, ERI development, and their implications for psychosocial adjustment. In this study of Colombian adolescents ( N = 462; M age = 15.90 years; 47.3% female), almost 40% of participants reported experiencing ethnic-racial-based discrimination. Experiencing more frequent ethnic-racial discrimination was associated with lower self-esteem and higher depressive symptoms, whereas higher ERI resolution (i.e., gaining sense of clarity about ethnic-racial group membership) and affirmation (i.e., feeling positively about ethnic-racial group membership) were associated with higher self-esteem and lower depressive symptoms. ERI exploration (i.e., learning history and gaining knowledge about ethnic-racial group membership) was also associated with higher self-esteem and moderated the association between discrimination and depressive symptoms, such that this association was stronger at higher compared to lower levels of ERI exploration. Findings provide novel evidence for ethnic-racial-related risk and resilience processes among Colombian youth.

Ethnic Identity as a Mediator of the Relationship between Discrimination and Psychological Well-Being in South—South Migrant Populations

“…Secondly, another strength that can be mentioned is the possibility of addressing research questions regarding Latin American migration, especially on the context of south–south migration, which are lacking, and can open potential lines of research enriching what is known about ethnic identity, well-being, and discrimination. Thirdly, several studies on ethnic identity, discrimination, and well-being have been conducted on adolescents in the Latino population [ 99 , 102 ]. However, studying a different cohort of participants is crucial because there might be interesting differences between adolescents and adults’ experiences.…”

Mental health among adolescents exposed to social inequality in Latin America and the Caribbean: a scoping review

“…Regarding ethnicity/race, it is described how populations with ethnic-racial background often experienced inequitable treatment ( 37 , 38 ). One of the articles reports people being mostly white in the central areas of the cities, where socioeconomic conditions were favorable (better parental education and formal employment) ( 39 ).…”

“…We found research on how intersecting inequality relates to mental health. Two studies described how discrimination based on ethnicity/race generates negative emotional responses, thereby raising difficulties for the proper development of mental health ( 37 , 38 ). In particular, two papers reported how adolescents who were left behind after their parents’ migration reported feelings of sadness, loneliness, and behavioral problems ( 41 , 44 ).…”

Latinx sexual minority men, psychological well-being, racial sociopolitical involvement, and discomfort in LGBT community.

“…First, we measured racial/ethnic discomfort using a one-item measure. Other ethnic identity measures could be used that measure additional aspects of racial/ethnic identity such as exploration of one’s racial/ethnic identity, as well as one’s identification with their racial/ethnic group (Sladek et al, 2020). Researchers can also use more comprehensive measures to assess experiences of discrimination and its deleterious effects, such as measures that capture intersectional forms of discrimination, such as sexual racism or colorism (Bhambhani et al, 2019).…”