Ethnic identity

Students were asked about their ethnic identity. In particular, two aspects were measured: (1) ethnic identity search (i.e., students’ efforts to find out more about their ethnic backgrounds) and (2) their ethnic identity affirmation and belonging (i.e., positive attitudes toward an ethnic group and a sense of belonging to the ethnic group).  We examined differences in these two aspects of ethnic identity based on their grade-level.

Middle and high school students reported higher levels of ethnic identity affirmation and belonging than college-aged students or higher. However, there was no difference in ethnic identity search between middle school, high school, and college-aged or older students.