Aerika S. Brittian

The moderating role of centrality on associations between ethnic identity affirmation and ethnic minority college students mental health

Abstract Background: Prior literature has shown that ethnic affirmation, one aspect of ethnic identity, is positively associated with mental health. However, the associations between ethnic affirmation and mental health may vary depending how much importance individuals place on their ethnic group membership (ie, centrality). Methods: Using path analysis, the current study examined the relations between ethnic affirmation and indices of mental health problems (ie, anxiety and depressive symptoms), and tested whether the process was moderated by ethnic centrality among 3,659 college students representing 3 ethnic groups (41% Latino/a, 35% Asian American, and 24% African American) who participated in a large, multisite university study. Results and Conclusions: Results suggested that the associations between ethnic affirmation and mental health were stronger for Latino/a and Asian American students who reported higher levels of ethnic centrality. For African Americans, higher levels of ethnic affirmation predicted better mental health, but this association did not vary as a function of ethnic centrality.

Association of acculturation with drinking games among Hispanic college students.

Abstract Objective: This cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate which components of acculturation relate to drinking games participation among Hispanic college students. We also sought to examine whether the relationships between acculturation and drinking games would differ from the associations between acculturation and other alcohol-related outcomes. Method: A sample of 1,397 Hispanic students aged 18–25 (75% women; 77% US-born) from 30 US colleges and universities completed a confidential online survey. Results: Associations among acculturative processes, drinking games participation, general alcohol consumption, and negative drinking consequences differed across gender. Most significant findings emerged in the domain of cultural practices. For women, US cultural practices were associated with greater general alcohol consumption, drinking games frequency, and amount of alcohol consumed while gaming, whereas for men, US cultural practices were associated with general alcohol consumption and negative drinking consequences. Conclusions: Hispanic and US cultural practices, values, and identifications were differentially associated with drinking games participation, and these associations differed by gender. It is therefore essential for college student alcohol research to examine US culture acquisition and Hispanic culture retention separately and within the domains of cultural practices, values, and identifications.

“You Must Know Where You Come From”: South African Youths’ Perceptions of Religion in Time of Social Change

This study examined South African youths’ perceptions of religion during a period of social and economic transition. In-depth interviews were conducted with 55 Black South African youth (age 18) living in the Johannesburg-Soweto metropolitan area. Data were analyzed in a manner consistent with grounded theory methodology and structural coding. Beliefs about the function of religion were captured by the following themes: provides support, connection to the past, moral compass, promotes healthy development, and intersections between African traditional practices and Christian beliefs. Themes are discussed and directions for future research are presented. In addition, applications of the current research and implications for promoting youths’ resilience are offered.

Identity Development in Adolescence: Implications for Youth Policy and Practice

Adolescents experience several developmental transitions involving physical growth, advances in cognition (thinking), and increased expectations from society. In light of these developmental experiences, they typically begin to explore and understand their place in the social world. This process is commonly described as identity development. In this chapter, we briefly review identity theories that are relevant for youth practitioners and policy makers to consider. We discuss how identity relates to other aspects of adolescents’ health and development. In addition, we discuss priorities for youth policy and practice regarding adolescents’ identity development and highlight a youth-centered policy and youth organization that focus on developing adolescents’ positive identity (My Brother’s Keeper and the Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health). Finally, we provide a few practical recommendations for youth practitioners and policy makers. Specifically, we describe three strategies that can be used by youth development practitioners who want to incorporate identity development into their programming: (1) encourage adolescents to explore social issues, (2) encourage adolescents to reflect on their experiences, and (3) give adolescents opportunities to engage in decision-making.