Ethnic identity: Evidence of protective effects for young, Latino children

This study examined ethnic identity development and its association with child functioning among 4-5 year old Latino children. Six hundred seventy-four Mexican and Dominican American children participated in an ethnic identity interview, and teachers and mothers reported on children's externalizing, internalizing and adaptive behavior functioning. Results are consistent with social identity developmental theory in suggesting that ethnic identity is emerging at this young age. Moreover, various components of ethnic identity were associated with better adaptive behavior and fewer externalizing and internalizing problems, particularly as reported by teachers. Findings were robust across child gender and ethnicity (i.e., country of origin). During early childhood, ethnic identity may be an important protective factor that can promote the behavioral functioning of Latino children.