The psychological well-being and ethnic identity of biracial adolescents are largely underreprese... more The psychological well-being and ethnic identity of biracial adolescents are largely underrepresented topics in current scholarly literature, despite the growing population of biracial and multiracial individuals in the United States. This study examined self-esteem, ethnic identity, and the relationship between these constructs among biracial and monoracial adolescents (n = 3282). Using analysis of covariance, significant differences emerged between biracial and monoracial adolescents on both a measure of self-esteem and a measure of ethnic identity. Specifically, biracial adolescents showed significantly higher levels of self-esteem than their Asian counterparts, but significantly lower selfesteem than Black adolescents. Furthermore, biracial adolescents scored significantly higher than Whites on a measure of ethnic identity, but scored lower than their Black, Asian, and Latino peers on the same measure. Finally, correlational analyses revealed a significant and positive relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem for all groups.
ABSTRACT Language brokering is a common practice for Latino youth with immigrant parents. Yet lit... more ABSTRACT Language brokering is a common practice for Latino youth with immigrant parents. Yet little is known about how youth’s feelings about this responsibility contribute to the parent-adolescent relationship. In this study, we examined the longitudinal associations between language brokering attitudes and parent-adolescent closeness in a sample of Latino early adolescents (n = 813, Maget1 = 12.32, SDt1 = .59), while taking into account language brokering frequency and the possible moderating role of sex. Results suggested that sex of the adolescent was a moderator. Specifically, younger males who felt closer to their parents had more positive attitudes toward language brokering, which dissipated as they aged. Furthermore, language brokering frequency had a delayed positive contribution to language brokering attitudes and parent-adolescent closeness, which was stronger for males than females. Results are discussed in terms of how age and gender cultural norms contribute to the relation between language brokering and parent-adolescent closeness.
Using data from a longitudinal study of Mexican-origin girls (ages 11-17 at Time 1), we examined ... more Using data from a longitudinal study of Mexican-origin girls (ages 11-17 at Time 1), we examined sociocultural (i.e., family structure, nativity, and acculturation), interpersonal (i.e., supportive parenting and conflict), and developmental (i.e., menarche timing and autonomy expectations) predictors of sexual initiation. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we explored whether Time 1 variables predicted the occurrence and timing of first sexual intercourse reported 2.5 to 3.5 years later. Results indicated that the likelihood of early sexual intercourse was higher among first-generation than second-generation immigrants. In addition, living with a step-parent (compared to two biological parents) was associated with a higher likelihood of early intercourse. Furthermore, early autonomy expectations emerged as a salient predictor of intercourse, such that girls with earlier autonomy expectations were more likely to have earlier intercourse than girls with later autonomy expectations. Taken together, results highlight the importance of considering developmental and contextual factors when studying Mexican-origin girls' sexual initiation.
Adolescence is a critical period of development-a time of further discovery, exploration, and gro... more Adolescence is a critical period of development-a time of further discovery, exploration, and growth. During this time, individuals experience physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial changes, some of which may be influenced by cultural factors .
The psychological well-being and ethnic identity of biracial adolescents are largely underreprese... more The psychological well-being and ethnic identity of biracial adolescents are largely underrepresented topics in current scholarly literature, despite the growing population of biracial and multiracial individuals in the United States. This study examined self-esteem, ethnic identity, and the relationship between these constructs among biracial and monoracial adolescents (n = 3282). Using analysis of covariance, significant differences emerged between biracial and monoracial adolescents on both a measure of self-esteem and a measure of ethnic identity. Specifically, biracial adolescents showed significantly higher levels of self-esteem than their Asian counterparts, but significantly lower selfesteem than Black adolescents. Furthermore, biracial adolescents scored significantly higher than Whites on a measure of ethnic identity, but scored lower than their Black, Asian, and Latino peers on the same measure. Finally, correlational analyses revealed a significant and positive relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem for all groups.
The overall aim of the current study was to identify the methodological approach and correspondin... more The overall aim of the current study was to identify the methodological approach and corresponding analytic procedure that best elucidated the associations among Mexican-origin mother-daughter cultural orientation dissonance, family functioning, and adolescent adjustment. To do so, we employed, and compared, two methodological approaches (i.e., variable-centered and person-centered) via four analytic procedures (i.e., difference score, interactive, matched/mismatched grouping, and latent profiles). The sample consisted of 319 girls in the 7th or 10th grade and their mother or mother figure from a large Southwestern, metropolitan area in the US. Family factors were found to be important predictors of adolescent adjustment in all models. Although some findings were similar across all models, overall, findings suggested that the latent profile procedure best elucidated the associations among the variables examined in this study. In addition, associations were present across early and middle adolescents, with a few findings being only present for one group. Implications for using these analytic procedures in studying cultural and family processes are discussed.
... This work was based on the master's thesis of the first author. To whom cor-responde... more ... This work was based on the master's thesis of the first author. To whom cor-respondence should be addressed at Department of Family and Hu-man Development, Arizona State University, Box 872502, Tempe, AZ, 85287-2502; e-mail: [email protected]. ...
The current study utilized an ecological framework to examine the longitudinal interrelations amo... more The current study utilized an ecological framework to examine the longitudinal interrelations among Latino adolescents' (N ¼ 323) cultural orientation (i.e., ethnic identity and enculturation), familial ethnic socialization experiences, and generational status. Findings indicated that ethnic identity and enculturation were both predicted by adolescents' generational status, although some of these relations were indirect via the relation between generational status and familial ethnic socialization. Findings underscore the importance of examining the dimensions of cultural orientation independent of one another and considering the central role of familial socialization practices in these processes. Moreover, the current work provides direction for further theoretical work to advance our understanding of the unique aspects of cultural orientation.
This article examines gender and family composition differences in 98 biethnic adolescents' repor... more This article examines gender and family composition differences in 98 biethnic adolescents' reports of familial ethnic socialization and ethnic identity. Using analysis of variance, four groups (i.e., adolescent males with Latina mothers and European American fathers, adolescent females with Latina mothers and European American fathers, adolescent males with European American mothers and Latino fathers, and adolescent females with European American mothers and Latino fathers) are compared on the above measures. Results indicate that sons of Latina mothers reported the highest levels of familial ethnic socialization. No significant differences emerge between groups on a measure of ethnic identity.
Guided by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological framework, this study examined the roles of Latino adole... more Guided by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological framework, this study examined the roles of Latino adolescents' reports of discrimination, neighborhood risk, parent-child conflict over culture, and parental support in relation to their self-esteem and depression. Analysis of self-report data from 383 ninth grade, Latino students from one Los Angeles high school was used to validate a Multigroup Structural Equation Model of self-esteem and depressive symptoms for boys and girls. As expected, self-esteem was negatively and significantly related to depressive symptoms, yet the influence of other factors were less clear. Five paths marked the influence of mothers' and fathers' interactions on youths' outcomes, demonstrating a strong path from fathers' support to adolescent self-esteem and differing paths from cultural conflict with mother and father to youth outcomes. Neighborhood risks were significantly related to boys' and girls' selfesteem and depressive symptoms, especially for boys. Societal discrimination was significantly related to youths' reports of depressive symptoms yet not significantly related to self-esteem. Results are discussed in terms of applications for both practice and future research.
This study examined differences in behavioral autonomy age expectations between Mexicanorigin mot... more This study examined differences in behavioral autonomy age expectations between Mexicanorigin mothers and their adolescent daughters (N = 319 dyads); variability in behavioral autonomy age expectations as a function of nativity and maternal educational attainment also was examined. Findings indicated significant differences between mothers and daughters such that mothers reported later expectations for the timing of behavioral autonomy than did daughters. Follow-up analyses indicated that findings appeared to be driven by maternal nativity, with dyads comprised of Mexico-born mothers reporting the latest age expectations for behavioral autonomy when compared with dyads comprised of U.S.-born mothers. Findings underscore the need to examine normative development among Latino adolescents and their families with a specific focus on how sociocultural characteristics can contribute to within-family differences.
Guided by the academic resilience perspective, the current longitudinal study examined whether ac... more Guided by the academic resilience perspective, the current longitudinal study examined whether academic motivation mediated the relation between Latino adolescents' (N ¼ 221) experiences with discrimination and their academic success. The potential moderating role of gender was also examined. Using multiple group analysis in structural equation modeling, findings indicated that perceived discrimination at Wave 2 significantly predicted academic motivation at Waves 2 and 3 for boys but not girls. Additionally, for boys, academic motivation significantly mediated the relation between perceived discrimination and academic success. Findings underscore the importance of considering the long-term implications of discrimination for Latino boys' academic success. Furthermore, findings encourage moving beyond the examination of gender differences in specific academic outcomes (e.g., academic success) and focusing on how the processes leading to academic success vary by gender. Ó
Two studies were conducted to develop and explore the psychometric properties of the newly develo... more Two studies were conducted to develop and explore the psychometric properties of the newly developed Ethnic Identity Scale (EIS). Consistent with Erikson's and Tajfel's theoretical perspectives, the EIS assesses 3 domains of ethnic identity formation: exploration, resolution, and affirmation. In both studies, participants (N = 846) completed measures of familial ethnic socialization and self-esteem in addition to completing the EIS. In Study 1, we employed exploratory and confirmatory analyses to examine, refine, and confirm the factor structure of the EIS among university students (n = 615). In Study 2, we examined the psychometric properties of the EIS among high school students (n = 231). Results revealed a three-factor solution that reflected the proposed components of exploration, resolution, and affirmation. Furthermore, the three subscales were related in expected ways to measures of familial ethnic socialization and self-esteem.
This study used a person-centered approach to examine patterns of adjustment along psychological ... more This study used a person-centered approach to examine patterns of adjustment along psychological (i.e., depression, self-esteem, anxiety) and academic (i.e., academic motivation) domains in a sample (N = 338) of Mexican-origin female adolescents. Four adjustment profiles were identified. A High Functioning (n = 173) group, which exhibited high positive adjustment and academic functioning, an Average Functioning (n = 83) group, which exhibited average psychological and academic functioning, an Academically Oriented and Stressed (n = 19) group, which exhibited high academic motivation, but poor psychological functioning in anxiety and negative affect, and a Low Functioning (n = 25) group, which exhibited poor adjustment overall. Further, paternal and maternal parenting characteristics (i.e., autonomy granting, parent-adolescent conflict, and supportive parenting) were differentially related to Mexican-origin female adolescents' profiles, providing further evidence for the existence of the profiles. Results contribute to the current literature on Latino adolescents Articles
Page 1. Conducting Focus Groups with Latino Populations: Lessons from the Field* Adriana J. Uman... more Page 1. Conducting Focus Groups with Latino Populations: Lessons from the Field* Adriana J. Umana-Taylor** and Mayra Y. Bámaca We explore the use of focus groups with Latino families. Based on our work with Colombian ...
The psychological well-being and ethnic identity of biracial adolescents are largely underreprese... more The psychological well-being and ethnic identity of biracial adolescents are largely underrepresented topics in current scholarly literature, despite the growing population of biracial and multiracial individuals in the United States. This study examined self-esteem, ethnic identity, and the relationship between these constructs among biracial and monoracial adolescents (n = 3282). Using analysis of covariance, significant differences emerged between biracial and monoracial adolescents on both a measure of self-esteem and a measure of ethnic identity. Specifically, biracial adolescents showed significantly higher levels of self-esteem than their Asian counterparts, but significantly lower selfesteem than Black adolescents. Furthermore, biracial adolescents scored significantly higher than Whites on a measure of ethnic identity, but scored lower than their Black, Asian, and Latino peers on the same measure. Finally, correlational analyses revealed a significant and positive relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem for all groups.
ABSTRACT Language brokering is a common practice for Latino youth with immigrant parents. Yet lit... more ABSTRACT Language brokering is a common practice for Latino youth with immigrant parents. Yet little is known about how youth’s feelings about this responsibility contribute to the parent-adolescent relationship. In this study, we examined the longitudinal associations between language brokering attitudes and parent-adolescent closeness in a sample of Latino early adolescents (n = 813, Maget1 = 12.32, SDt1 = .59), while taking into account language brokering frequency and the possible moderating role of sex. Results suggested that sex of the adolescent was a moderator. Specifically, younger males who felt closer to their parents had more positive attitudes toward language brokering, which dissipated as they aged. Furthermore, language brokering frequency had a delayed positive contribution to language brokering attitudes and parent-adolescent closeness, which was stronger for males than females. Results are discussed in terms of how age and gender cultural norms contribute to the relation between language brokering and parent-adolescent closeness.
Using data from a longitudinal study of Mexican-origin girls (ages 11-17 at Time 1), we examined ... more Using data from a longitudinal study of Mexican-origin girls (ages 11-17 at Time 1), we examined sociocultural (i.e., family structure, nativity, and acculturation), interpersonal (i.e., supportive parenting and conflict), and developmental (i.e., menarche timing and autonomy expectations) predictors of sexual initiation. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we explored whether Time 1 variables predicted the occurrence and timing of first sexual intercourse reported 2.5 to 3.5 years later. Results indicated that the likelihood of early sexual intercourse was higher among first-generation than second-generation immigrants. In addition, living with a step-parent (compared to two biological parents) was associated with a higher likelihood of early intercourse. Furthermore, early autonomy expectations emerged as a salient predictor of intercourse, such that girls with earlier autonomy expectations were more likely to have earlier intercourse than girls with later autonomy expectations. Taken together, results highlight the importance of considering developmental and contextual factors when studying Mexican-origin girls' sexual initiation.
Adolescence is a critical period of development-a time of further discovery, exploration, and gro... more Adolescence is a critical period of development-a time of further discovery, exploration, and growth. During this time, individuals experience physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychosocial changes, some of which may be influenced by cultural factors .
The psychological well-being and ethnic identity of biracial adolescents are largely underreprese... more The psychological well-being and ethnic identity of biracial adolescents are largely underrepresented topics in current scholarly literature, despite the growing population of biracial and multiracial individuals in the United States. This study examined self-esteem, ethnic identity, and the relationship between these constructs among biracial and monoracial adolescents (n = 3282). Using analysis of covariance, significant differences emerged between biracial and monoracial adolescents on both a measure of self-esteem and a measure of ethnic identity. Specifically, biracial adolescents showed significantly higher levels of self-esteem than their Asian counterparts, but significantly lower selfesteem than Black adolescents. Furthermore, biracial adolescents scored significantly higher than Whites on a measure of ethnic identity, but scored lower than their Black, Asian, and Latino peers on the same measure. Finally, correlational analyses revealed a significant and positive relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem for all groups.
The overall aim of the current study was to identify the methodological approach and correspondin... more The overall aim of the current study was to identify the methodological approach and corresponding analytic procedure that best elucidated the associations among Mexican-origin mother-daughter cultural orientation dissonance, family functioning, and adolescent adjustment. To do so, we employed, and compared, two methodological approaches (i.e., variable-centered and person-centered) via four analytic procedures (i.e., difference score, interactive, matched/mismatched grouping, and latent profiles). The sample consisted of 319 girls in the 7th or 10th grade and their mother or mother figure from a large Southwestern, metropolitan area in the US. Family factors were found to be important predictors of adolescent adjustment in all models. Although some findings were similar across all models, overall, findings suggested that the latent profile procedure best elucidated the associations among the variables examined in this study. In addition, associations were present across early and middle adolescents, with a few findings being only present for one group. Implications for using these analytic procedures in studying cultural and family processes are discussed.
... This work was based on the master's thesis of the first author. To whom cor-responde... more ... This work was based on the master's thesis of the first author. To whom cor-respondence should be addressed at Department of Family and Hu-man Development, Arizona State University, Box 872502, Tempe, AZ, 85287-2502; e-mail: [email protected]. ...
The current study utilized an ecological framework to examine the longitudinal interrelations amo... more The current study utilized an ecological framework to examine the longitudinal interrelations among Latino adolescents' (N ¼ 323) cultural orientation (i.e., ethnic identity and enculturation), familial ethnic socialization experiences, and generational status. Findings indicated that ethnic identity and enculturation were both predicted by adolescents' generational status, although some of these relations were indirect via the relation between generational status and familial ethnic socialization. Findings underscore the importance of examining the dimensions of cultural orientation independent of one another and considering the central role of familial socialization practices in these processes. Moreover, the current work provides direction for further theoretical work to advance our understanding of the unique aspects of cultural orientation.
This article examines gender and family composition differences in 98 biethnic adolescents' repor... more This article examines gender and family composition differences in 98 biethnic adolescents' reports of familial ethnic socialization and ethnic identity. Using analysis of variance, four groups (i.e., adolescent males with Latina mothers and European American fathers, adolescent females with Latina mothers and European American fathers, adolescent males with European American mothers and Latino fathers, and adolescent females with European American mothers and Latino fathers) are compared on the above measures. Results indicate that sons of Latina mothers reported the highest levels of familial ethnic socialization. No significant differences emerge between groups on a measure of ethnic identity.
Guided by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological framework, this study examined the roles of Latino adole... more Guided by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological framework, this study examined the roles of Latino adolescents' reports of discrimination, neighborhood risk, parent-child conflict over culture, and parental support in relation to their self-esteem and depression. Analysis of self-report data from 383 ninth grade, Latino students from one Los Angeles high school was used to validate a Multigroup Structural Equation Model of self-esteem and depressive symptoms for boys and girls. As expected, self-esteem was negatively and significantly related to depressive symptoms, yet the influence of other factors were less clear. Five paths marked the influence of mothers' and fathers' interactions on youths' outcomes, demonstrating a strong path from fathers' support to adolescent self-esteem and differing paths from cultural conflict with mother and father to youth outcomes. Neighborhood risks were significantly related to boys' and girls' selfesteem and depressive symptoms, especially for boys. Societal discrimination was significantly related to youths' reports of depressive symptoms yet not significantly related to self-esteem. Results are discussed in terms of applications for both practice and future research.
This study examined differences in behavioral autonomy age expectations between Mexicanorigin mot... more This study examined differences in behavioral autonomy age expectations between Mexicanorigin mothers and their adolescent daughters (N = 319 dyads); variability in behavioral autonomy age expectations as a function of nativity and maternal educational attainment also was examined. Findings indicated significant differences between mothers and daughters such that mothers reported later expectations for the timing of behavioral autonomy than did daughters. Follow-up analyses indicated that findings appeared to be driven by maternal nativity, with dyads comprised of Mexico-born mothers reporting the latest age expectations for behavioral autonomy when compared with dyads comprised of U.S.-born mothers. Findings underscore the need to examine normative development among Latino adolescents and their families with a specific focus on how sociocultural characteristics can contribute to within-family differences.
Guided by the academic resilience perspective, the current longitudinal study examined whether ac... more Guided by the academic resilience perspective, the current longitudinal study examined whether academic motivation mediated the relation between Latino adolescents' (N ¼ 221) experiences with discrimination and their academic success. The potential moderating role of gender was also examined. Using multiple group analysis in structural equation modeling, findings indicated that perceived discrimination at Wave 2 significantly predicted academic motivation at Waves 2 and 3 for boys but not girls. Additionally, for boys, academic motivation significantly mediated the relation between perceived discrimination and academic success. Findings underscore the importance of considering the long-term implications of discrimination for Latino boys' academic success. Furthermore, findings encourage moving beyond the examination of gender differences in specific academic outcomes (e.g., academic success) and focusing on how the processes leading to academic success vary by gender. Ó
Two studies were conducted to develop and explore the psychometric properties of the newly develo... more Two studies were conducted to develop and explore the psychometric properties of the newly developed Ethnic Identity Scale (EIS). Consistent with Erikson's and Tajfel's theoretical perspectives, the EIS assesses 3 domains of ethnic identity formation: exploration, resolution, and affirmation. In both studies, participants (N = 846) completed measures of familial ethnic socialization and self-esteem in addition to completing the EIS. In Study 1, we employed exploratory and confirmatory analyses to examine, refine, and confirm the factor structure of the EIS among university students (n = 615). In Study 2, we examined the psychometric properties of the EIS among high school students (n = 231). Results revealed a three-factor solution that reflected the proposed components of exploration, resolution, and affirmation. Furthermore, the three subscales were related in expected ways to measures of familial ethnic socialization and self-esteem.
This study used a person-centered approach to examine patterns of adjustment along psychological ... more This study used a person-centered approach to examine patterns of adjustment along psychological (i.e., depression, self-esteem, anxiety) and academic (i.e., academic motivation) domains in a sample (N = 338) of Mexican-origin female adolescents. Four adjustment profiles were identified. A High Functioning (n = 173) group, which exhibited high positive adjustment and academic functioning, an Average Functioning (n = 83) group, which exhibited average psychological and academic functioning, an Academically Oriented and Stressed (n = 19) group, which exhibited high academic motivation, but poor psychological functioning in anxiety and negative affect, and a Low Functioning (n = 25) group, which exhibited poor adjustment overall. Further, paternal and maternal parenting characteristics (i.e., autonomy granting, parent-adolescent conflict, and supportive parenting) were differentially related to Mexican-origin female adolescents' profiles, providing further evidence for the existence of the profiles. Results contribute to the current literature on Latino adolescents Articles
Page 1. Conducting Focus Groups with Latino Populations: Lessons from the Field* Adriana J. Uman... more Page 1. Conducting Focus Groups with Latino Populations: Lessons from the Field* Adriana J. Umana-Taylor** and Mayra Y. Bámaca We explore the use of focus groups with Latino families. Based on our work with Colombian ...
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