Ethnic identity in our global society: Supporting youth physical and mental health and adjustment

Abstract

Ethnic identity development is a normative developmental process that youth experience in adolescence. Ethnicity refers to an individual's membership into a group with a common ancestry, including shared culture, place of origin, language, kinship, or values. Ethnic identity refers to one's identity or sense of self as a member of an ethnic group. Research evidence on ethnic identity in children and adolescents overwhelmingly points to its importance in supporting positive mental and physical health, academic, and social outcomes for youth. In this article, we describe the process of ethnic identity development and discuss strategies for caregivers, clinicians, and educators to support positive ethnic identity development in our youth.