Profiles of Risk: The Role of Ethnic Identity Exploration and Neighborhood Violence on Acute Mental Health Symptomatology Among Ethnic Racial Minoritized Youth.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to (1) characterize profiles of neighborhood exposures and factors of ethnic identity and (2) assess associations with mental health outcomes among ethnic-racial minoritized (ERM) youth living in urban areas.

METHOD: Our final sample consisted of (n = 767) youth with a mean age of 15.5 years (SD = 1.7) and were 53.5% males and 46.6% females. Majority of participants identified as Latine (54.3%) followed by Black/African American, Multiracial, and other respectively (31%, 7.4%, and 7.3%). Latent class analysis (LCA) was conducted to identify subgroups of youth based on seven observed indicators: racial self-efficacy, exposure to neighborhood violence, witnessing drugs sold on school property, witnessing drugs sold in the neighborhood, neighborhood support, and two dimensions of ethnic identity: exploration and affirmation. Subsequent analyses examined differences in psychosocial outcomes and demographic characteristics.

RESULTS

Three distinct classes emerged with Class 1 (Low Risk) being defined by low exposure to neighborhood violence and drug sales, moderate neighborhood support, and lower levels of ERI exploration and affirmation. In contrast, Class 3 (High Risk) was marked by the greatest exposure to neighborhood violence and drug sales, the highest self-efficacy and neighborhood support, and moderate ERI development. Class 3 exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and both suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts.

CONCLUSION

While neighborhood violence and witnessing drug sales may increase risk, fostering environments which support ethnic-racial identity affirmation, racial self-efficacy, and neighborhood support may promote resilience and advance mental health equity among ERM youth.