Ethnic identity development also has been linked to happiness and decreased anxiety. Specifically, regard for one’s ethnic group may buffer normative stress. Numerous studies show many positive outcomes associated with strong and stable ethnic identities, including increased self-esteem, improved mental health, decreased self-destructive behaviors and greater academic achievement.
Identity development is a universal process, in that all humans must cope and deal with coming to terms with their identity. However, identity is influenced by factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, occupational status and religion. Any discussion of universal processes of identity development must be supplemented by discussions of factors that influence identity. This article focuses on ethnic identity development.
Ethnic identity is that sense or quality of a group or collective identity based on group members’ feelings about values, symbols and common histories that identify them as a distinct group. It is an essential human need because it provides a sense of belonging and a sense of historical continuity. Ethnic identity helps to answer the question “Who am I?” It is a basic part of an individual’s personality and a powerful contributor to ethnic group formation and the maintenance of social ties.
Because ethnic identities are learned fairly early in life (5 to 10 years old), they work as a lens for interpreting, understanding, experiencing and participating in the world as well as a way of connecting with and identifying with others. These identities can change when they are challenged by life experiences.
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