In this article, the authors examine the conceptualization and measurement of ethnic identity as a multidimensional, dynamic construct that develops over time through a process of exploration and commitment. The authors discuss the components of ethnic identity that have been studied and the theoretical background for a developmental model of…

Developmental theory suggests that a well-developed ethnic identity serves as a secure position which allows people to be more open and accepting to people from other ethnic groups. To examine this prediction, two studies were carried out. In Study 1, 713 college freshmen from four ethnic groups were surveyed regarding positive attitudes toward…

Explains the psychological implications of ethnicity by assessing three aspects of ethnicity that may have an impact on outcomes of interest: (1) cultural norms and values; (2) the strength, salience, and meaning of ethnic identity; and (3) the experiences and attitudes associated with minority status. Categories and labels that are commonly used…

Finds weak or inconsistent relationships between self-esteem and the following components: negative stereotypes of one's group; acceptance versus rejection of one's group membership; knowledge about one's group; and commitment to the group. Suggests a strong ethnic identity, when accompanied by a positive mainstream orientation, is related to high…

Our purpose was to investigate acculturation and eating disorders by examining the role of ethnic identity and by utilizing a bidimensional perspective toward two cultures. We predicted that orientation toward European American culture and lower ethnic identity would be positively associated with eating disorders. Participants were 188 Mexican…

Examined changes with age in ethnic identity and self-esteem. Assessed 18 adolescents from 3 ethnic groups (Asian American, African American, Hispanic) at ages 16 and 19. Found significant change to higher stages of ethnic identity over three-year period. Self-esteem and ethnic identity were significantly related to each other at each time period…

Used two path models to examine the influence of ethnic identity and intergroup contact on adolescents' attitudes toward other ethnic groups: (1) ethnic identity increases with age and predicts positive in-group attitudes which contribute to positive out-group attitudes; and (2) diversity outside school leads to more out-group interaction in…

Investigated ethnic socialization by parents of minority group adolescents and adolescents' ethnic identity and strategies for coping with stereotypes and discrimination. Interviewed 60 American-born adolescents drawn from 3 ethnic groups (Japanese, Mexican, African) and 1 parent of each adolescent. Discovered significant differences in parental…

Surveyed 46 middle- and working-class Mexican American students and 52 middle-class African American students from ethnically diverse high schools in southern California as to American identity, other-group attitudes, self-concept, anxiety, and demographic characteristics. Found varied types of identification manifested by ethnic minority…

Surveys of 371 European American, African American, Mexican American, Vietnamese American, and Armenian American adolescents in ethnically diverse high schools in Los Angeles found that most adolescents set high goals for the future and expected to reach them. Compared to European American adolescents, minority group adolescents attributed…

Examined ethnic identity search and commitment, importance of ethnicity as identity issue, and relationship of ethnic identity to self-esteem among college students (N=196). Found exploration of ethnic identity issues was higher among minority students, and ethnicity was rated more important to minority students. Self-esteem was related to…

Surveyed adolescents and parents from 81 Armenian, 47 Vietnamese, and 88 Mexican families. Adolescents completed measures of ethnic language proficiency, peer social interaction, and ethnic identity, while parents completed a measure of support for cultural maintenance. Across all groups, ethnic language proficiency and in-group peer interaction…

Erikson's concept of identity has become a central focus for studying adolescent development. Identity is a psychosocial construct involving the creation of a sense of sameness and continuity, a unity of personality achieved through a process of crisis and commitment. Although culture is a factor in Erikson's theory, research on adolescent…

In order for ethnic identity to develop as a methodologically sound area of psychological research, it is essential to agree on definitions and to develop and validate measures that can be used in common by researchers working with different groups. This report analyzes 62 empirical studies of ethnic identity published in 36 journals since 1972.…

The theoretical basis of most studies of identity development is Erikson's theory, which proposes that the achievement of a personal identity is the central developmental task of adolescence. Although Erikson mentioned the role of culture, no research has examined ethnicity directly as a dimension of identity. This study examined ethnic identity…