Identity Development Among Minoritized and Marginalized Populations

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Abstract

An extensive body of research emphasizes the important role identity plays among a number of minoritized populations. Indeed, a substantive body of research has highlighted the links between ethnic/racial identity (ERI) development and adjustment (for review, see Rivas-Drake et al., 2014). Similarly, the establishment of an LGB identity has been tied to adjustment among sexual minoritized youth (for review, see Mohr & Kendra, 2011). Extending this body of work, our symposium outlines important future directions in the understanding of the role in identity development among three distinct marginalized populations. Although a number of studies have documented the links between ERI and U.S. identity (USI) development and adjustment, the majority of this research has been variable centered. Addressing this gap, the first study utilized latent profile analysis to identify unique profiles of ERI and USI process - providing important information regarding the structure and dynamics of Hispanic/Latinx’ cultural identity. Acknowledging the multidimensional nature of identity development (Meca et al., 2015), and taking an intersectional perspective, the second study examined the unique effects of personal, ethnic/racial, U.S., and sexual orientation identity centrality on psychological well-being among ethnic/racial and sexual minoritized youth. Finally, focusing on a key aspect of social-status based identity, the third study presents the validation of the First-Generation College Student identity scale (FGCSIS) and not only establish racial invariance, but document its links with psychological well-being. Collectively, these three manuscripts point to important future directions within the growing literature on the role identity plays among marginalized and minoritized youth.

Sub Unit

• Race, Ethnicity, Culture, Context

Chair

• Alan Meca, University of Texas at San Antonio

Discussant

• Melinda A Gonzales-Backen, Florida State Univeristy

Individual Presentations

• First-Generation College Student Identity and Well-Being - Presenting Author: Kelsie Allison, Old Dominion University; Alan Meca, University of Texas at San Antonio; Tony Perez, Old Dominion University; Taryn Veniegas, The University of Texas at San Antonio

• Examining the Role of Identity Centrality Across Domains on Psychological Well-Being in Sexual Minoritized Latinx Youth - Presenting Author: Bethany Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio; Alan Meca, University of Texas at San Antonio; Marissa Scurry, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Hannah Sheikh; Yobana Solorzano, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Angela Ragsdale; Taryn Veniegas, The University of Texas at San Antonio

• Cultural Identity Configurations: A Latent Profile Analysis of Ethnic/Racial and U.S. Identity Process and Content - Presenting Author: Alan Meca, University of Texas at San Antonio; Bethany Cruz, University of Texas at San Antonio; Taryn Veniegas, The University of Texas at San Antonio; Kelsie Allison, Old Dominion University; Lauren Santibanez, University of Texas at San Antonio; Melinda A Gonzales-Backen, Florida State Univeristy