Black Adolescent Identity Development: Effects of Perceived Family Structure

This study assesses the predictive relationship between black adolescent identity development and family structure after controlling for demographic and personality variables. The study further explores the assumption that adolescents with balanced levels of family cohesion and adaptability have hig...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Family relations 1988-07, Vol.37 (3), p.288-292
Main Authors: Watson, Marlene F., Protinsky, Howard O.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescents
Black people
Blacks
Children & youth
Ego
Ethnic identity
Ethnic Minority Families
Families & family life
Family relations
Family Roles
Family structure
Identity
Identity crises
Identity moratorium
Identity statuses
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Self Concept
Self esteem
Social research
Social Support
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Summary:This study assesses the predictive relationship between black adolescent identity development and family structure after controlling for demographic and personality variables. The study further explores the assumption that adolescents with balanced levels of family cohesion and adaptability have higher degrees of ego identity. Two hundred thirty-seven adolescents completed self-report measures of ego identity, self-esteem, and family structure. The data are only partially successful in demonstrating that family structure has predictive utility for ego identity development and find a general lack of relationship between balanced levels of cohesion and adaptability and high ego identity. The results suggest that there are other mediating factors in ego identity development not yet explored and call into question the Circumplex Model of family functioning for black families. Implications for family therapists and family life educators are discussed.
ISSN:0197-6664
1741-3729
0197-6664
DOI:10.2307/584564