| The multiethnic population is the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States (Sanchez & Shih, 2009). However, even with the increasing presence of this population there continues to be a lack of research to assist in understanding the experiences of these individuals. Ethnic identity development tends to be a challenge for most in adolescence and by adding multiple ethnic groups to identify with brings more complexity to that challenge. Multiethnic adolescents are subject to an increase in stress related to social environment that has a significant impact in ethnic identity development. Due to lack of education in training, few mental health professionals are adequately trained to work with the multiethnic adolescent population. This current study describes various aspects of social environment (e.g., negative & positive social perceptions, appearances and stereotypes, self-esteem & psychological functioning, the media, and family environment) and how they impact the development of a multiethnic identity. It also looks at previously conducted research focusing on terminology related to multiethnicity, adolescent development, ethnic & racial identity development, pioneer & current models of multiethnic identity development, and treatment considerations for mental health professionals working with this population. This current study consists of a literature review combining past research related to different aspects of the topic in order to obtain a better understanding of the impact of social environment on the development of ethnic identity in multiethnic adolescents and how to work with and treat members of this population who are experiencing functional impairment related to ethnic identity development.;Keywords: multiethnic identity, multiracial identity, ethnic identity development, adolescent development. |
