Exploring raceless identity as an additional protective factor in promoting individual resilience: “Resilience patterns in British ethnic minority youths”

Ighavongbe-Patrick, Scott (2011) Exploring raceless identity as an additional protective factor in promoting individual resilience: “Resilience patterns in British ethnic minority youths”. New University of Buckinghamshire.

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Abstract

As resilience has gained momentum over the past few decades, little effort has been made to understanding the protective factors that are specific to the needs of disadvantaged minority ethnic groups that are considered at risk. This study sought to determine firstly, if the ethnic social identity type developed by Black minority youths act as a protective factor that help promote resilience – using educational involvement as an indicative measure for resilience. This study also examined the claim that the ethnic identity type developed by Black male youths can precipitate psychological problems. Empirical evidence and relevant theories of identity development reviewed in the current paper suggests that links exist between ethnic social identity type and educational involvement. As such, it was concluded that the ethnic social identity type developed by British Black male youths can act as a protective factor in a manner that promote better resilience. The evidence reviewed also indicated a potential link between social identity development and the risk of development of psychological problems among British Black male youths. Indications for further studies were also discussed.