Ethnic-Racial Socialization Mapping in Ethnic-Racial Minority Populations: Exploring the Efficacy of an Intervention to Increase Well-Being and Secure Ethnic-Racial Identity

Abstract

In this dissertation, I explore the benefits of developing an intervention entitled ethnic-racial socialization mapping. Previously, researchers have developed the importance of establishing a secure ethnic-racial identity in ethnic-racial minority populations, as it is tied with increased well-being. Additionally, researchers have called for interventions that highlight the role of ethnic-racial socialization in minority populations, as this process is connected with a secure ethnic-racial identity. I answer these calls by reviewing current research, leading to the creation of ethnic-racial socialization mapping as an identity intervention. In chapter 1, I explore how ethnic-racial identity and ethnic-racial socialization has been conceptualized, as well as why ethnic-racial socialization mapping offers a unique, visual intervention. In chapter 2, I overview my methodology for answering my hypotheses and research questions. Using a three-group pre-test posttest experimental design, I tested the efficacy of the use of ethnic-racial socialization mapping for improving participant secure ethnic-racial identity and well-being. In one treatment group, participants engaged in ethnic-racial socialization mapping. In another treatment condition, participants engaged in ethnic-racial socialization mapping and reflected on their familial conversations about ethnicity and race. In chapter three, I overview the efficacy of the ethnic-racial socialization intervention. I found partial support for ethnic-racial socialization mapping as an intervention. In chapter four, I examined the ethnic-racial socialization maps to see if there were different types of families. I developed a four-group typology of maps that indicate different dimensions of ethnic-racial socialization. I also compared family types ethnic-racial identity measures and well-being measures. In chapter 5, I overview discourses of ethnic-racial socialization in participant interviews. Overall, I found five themes that characterized participant experiences. Lastly, in chapter 6, I explore the implications of these findings for future researchers, as well as how family communication can move forward using these findings