Examining the role of physical appearance in Latino adolescents' ethnic identity

Melinda A. Gonzales-Backen; Adriana J. Umaña-Taylor

doi:10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.01.002

Examining the role of physical appearance in Latino adolescents' ethnic identity

Melinda A. Gonzales-Backen, Adriana J. Umaña-Taylor

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

23 Scopus citations

Abstract

Guided by ecological theory, the current study examined physical appearance as a moderator of the relation between familial ethnic socialization (FES) and ethnic identity among 167 Latino adolescents. Results indicated that FES was positively associated with ethnic identity exploration and resolution. Furthermore, as expected, physical appearance moderated the relation between FES and ethnic identity affirmation such that this relation was positive among adolescents who were rated as having a more Latino appearance, a less European appearance, and darker skin, and it was non-significant among adolescents with a less Latino appearance, a more European appearance, and lighter skin. Findings underscore the importance of considering within-group variation when studying ethnic identity. In addition, this study highlights the importance of examining ethnic identity as a multidimensional construct.

Original language	English (US)
Pages (from-to)	151-162
Number of pages	12
Journal	Journal of Adolescence
Volume	34
Issue number	1
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.01.002
State	Published - Feb 2011

Keywords

Ethnic identity
Familial ethnic socialization
Latino adolescents
Physical appearance

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
Social Psychology
Developmental and Educational Psychology
Psychiatry and Mental health

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10.1016/j.adolescence.2010.01.002

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abstract = "Guided by ecological theory, the current study examined physical appearance as a moderator of the relation between familial ethnic socialization (FES) and ethnic identity among 167 Latino adolescents. Results indicated that FES was positively associated with ethnic identity exploration and resolution. Furthermore, as expected, physical appearance moderated the relation between FES and ethnic identity affirmation such that this relation was positive among adolescents who were rated as having a more Latino appearance, a less European appearance, and darker skin, and it was non-significant among adolescents with a less Latino appearance, a more European appearance, and lighter skin. Findings underscore the importance of considering within-group variation when studying ethnic identity. In addition, this study highlights the importance of examining ethnic identity as a multidimensional construct.",

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AB - Guided by ecological theory, the current study examined physical appearance as a moderator of the relation between familial ethnic socialization (FES) and ethnic identity among 167 Latino adolescents. Results indicated that FES was positively associated with ethnic identity exploration and resolution. Furthermore, as expected, physical appearance moderated the relation between FES and ethnic identity affirmation such that this relation was positive among adolescents who were rated as having a more Latino appearance, a less European appearance, and darker skin, and it was non-significant among adolescents with a less Latino appearance, a more European appearance, and lighter skin. Findings underscore the importance of considering within-group variation when studying ethnic identity. In addition, this study highlights the importance of examining ethnic identity as a multidimensional construct.

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Examining the role of physical appearance in Latino adolescents' ethnic identity

Abstract

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

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