Examining Relationships Between Ethnic Identity, Family Environment, and Psychological Outcomes for African American Adolescents

Abstract

Ethnic identity has been linked to a number of healthy psychological outcomes for African American adolescents. The levels of conflict and cohesion in the family environment have also been found to be predictive of adolescent mental health. This study examined whether the ethnic identity and levels of conflict and cohesion in the family environments were related to adolescents' psychological adjustment. Participants included 61 African American adolescents, ages 10-14 years old, and their parents. Hierarchical regression models were used to determine the cumulative effects of ethnic identity and family functioning on adolescent mental health, specifically adolescent levels of depression, self-esteem, and interpersonal functioning. Results indicated that having a positive ethnic identity and a cohesive family environment were most strongly associated with psychological adjustment. Implications of these results are discussed in terms of family interventions.

Ethnic Identity as a Protective Factor for Looked After and Adopted Children From Ethnic Minority Groups: A Critical Review of the Literature

“…A "weak" ethnic identity has been related to a number of maladaptive and "risky" behaviors, including substance misuse (e.g., Schier, Botvin, Diaz, & Ifill-Williams, 1997) and antisocial behaviors (Smith et al, 1999). Street et al (2009) found that weak ethnic identity and poor family cohesion were salient predictors for depressive symptoms in adolescents.…”

“…The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (MEIM; Phinney, 1992) was developed to assess ethnic identity across diverse groups and is the measure that appears to have been utilized most often by researchers investigating ethnic identity (e.g., Street, Harris-Britt, & Walker-Barnes, 2009;Yasui, Dorham, & Dishion, 2004). The MEIM examines general aspects of ethnic identity, such as sense of belonging, attitudes toward an individual's own group, and self-identification as a member of an ethnic group.…”

The Role of Multiple Identities in Adherence to Medical Appointments Among Gay/Bisexual Male Adolescents Living with HIV

“…A positive and clear ethnic identity can facilitate a sense of freedom, security, and comfort, whereas a negative and ambiguous identity may lead to confusion and ambivalence. The unsuccessful resolution of identity development for adolescents has been associated with a host of negative physical and mental health outcomes [49–53]. …”

A Study on Ethnic Identity Status and Its Contextual Factors among College Students of Bai Nationality in Yunnan

“…Family annual income also can be a predictor variable to Bai ethnic identity exploration. This is supported by Street's study which showed that annual family income was positively correlated with higher ethnic identity and adolescents of higher socioeconomic status reported more positive feelings of being members of their group (Street, 2009).…”