Cultural identity development among ethnic-racial minorities: An examination of ethnic-racial identity, national identity, and biculturalism

Identity development serves as a significant developmental task during the stages of adolescence and emerging adulthood. For those of immigrant or ethnic-racial minoritized backgrounds however, cultural identity presents an additional undertaking during this developmental period. Although operationalizations of cultural identity have varied in the literature, this entry focuses on three key components particularly relevant to ethnic-racial minoritized youth and youth from immigrant backgrounds: ethnic-racial identity, national identity, and biculturalism. Our chapter begins with a review of the theoretical frameworks behind the study of cultural identity development, focusing both on process and content models that govern development within ethnic-racial identity, national identity, and biculturalism. Subsequently, we provide a narrative review documenting the links between ethnic-racial identity, national identity, and biculturalism with psychological functioning across ethnic-racial minoritized youth. Finally, review key limitations and gaps in our current understanding of cultural identity development and identify important future directions and clinical implications.