The effects of stressors during youth and adolescence have long been investigated as powerful experiences affecting adjustment and well-being. Stressful life events predict a range of psychological and physical outcomes, but their impact on adolescent self-perception has yet to be studied thoroughly. Adolescent strengths, such as ethnic identity, may serve as protection from threats and warrant exploration. Using resilience theory (Fergus & Zimmerman, 2005) and a stressor model of adolescent development (Grant et al., 2003), this study examines the influence of ethnic identity in the relationship between youth stressful experiences and different types of self-perception (social competence, behavioral conduct, and global self-worth). Using multiple imputation and multiple linear regressions, this study examines longitudinal data from 140 Black, low-income youth ages 11-14. Results of this study indicate stressful life events are associated with behavioral conduct self-perception and ethnic identity is associated with global self-worth. In addition, individual aspects of ethnic identity, including ethnic identity behavior and other group orientation have unique impacts on self-perception outcomes. Ethnic identity and ethnic identity behavior were protective against the impact of stressful life events on behavioral conduct self-perception. Understanding the specific connections between youth stressors, ethnic identity, and self-perception for Black adolescents can provide insight into research, practice, and policy directions that rely on youth strengths to promote healthy outcomes
