Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

adolescence, behavior, ethnic identity, race, self-concept

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Ethnic identity is a multidimensional construct with varied and changing definitions. Psychologist Jean Phinney (2000, 2003) broadly defines ethnic identity as “an enduring, fundamental aspect of the self that includes a sense of membership in an ethnic group and the attitudes and feelings associated with that group membership.”  Typically, members of ethnic groups will share a similar culture, religion, language, race, values, or place of origin.  As individuals become aware of their ethnicity in the context of their surroundings, ethnic identity develops and changes over time.  Ethnic identity has been shown to impact a broad range of an individual’s feelings, friendships, and behaviors and is believed to effect longterm social and psychological wellbeing.  Ethnic identity formation, particularly among ethnic minority youth, is considered to be an important part of identity formation during adolescence and is believed to continue into young adulthood.

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