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

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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.

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Acknowledgment

This research was supported by the 2007 Mellon-Moore Undergraduate Research Apprentice Progam (MURAP) under the direction of Dr. Harris-Britt. This study was funded by 5K01 MH-06602402 awarded to Dr. Walker-Barnes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, USA

    Jalika Street

  2. Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, CB #3270, Davie Hall, Chapel Hill, NC, 27599, USA

    April Harris-Britt

  3. Shaw University, Durham, NC, USA

    Chanequa Walker-Barnes

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  1. Jalika Street
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  2. April Harris-Britt
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  3. Chanequa Walker-Barnes
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Correspondence to April Harris-Britt.

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Street, J., Harris-Britt, A. & Walker-Barnes, C. Examining Relationships Between Ethnic Identity, Family Environment, and Psychological Outcomes for African American Adolescents. J Child Fam Stud 18, 412–420 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-008-9245-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10826-008-9245-7

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