Examining the influence of ethnic–racial socialization and parental warmth on Latinx youth psychosocial outcomes.

Abstract

Cultural socialization and preparation for bias messages are the two most studied dimensions of ethnic-racial socialization, although among Latinx samples, preparation for bias has received significantly less research attention (Ayo ´n et al., 2020). While research suggests that cultural socialization fosters positive youth development, the effects of preparation for bias are much more equivocal (Umaña-Taylor & Hill, 2020). We extended this line of research by testing whether parental warmth moderated the relation between cultural socialization and preparation for bias on internalizing symptoms, externalizing behaviors, self-esteem, and academic motivation in a sample of 175 Latinx adolescents (M age = 12.9, SD = 0.68; 52% female). We also examined whether both preparation for bias and cultural socialization messages together had the most beneficial impact. Results indicated that preparation for bias was associated with lower self-esteem and greater internalizing symptoms and externalizing behaviors. Cultural socialization was associated with greater self-esteem. Preparation for bias significantly interacted with cultural socialization to predict academic motivation such that cultural socialization was associated with greater academic motivation only for those who reported high levels of preparation for bias. Parental warmth was not a significant moderator for any outcome. Sensitivity analyses that added discrimination to the models indicated that once discrimination was controlled for, preparation for bias was no longer related to any youth outcomes. Future research should consider additional moderators to determine what outcomes and under what circumstances preparation for bias messages may be beneficial for Latinx adolescents. Public Significance StatementHow parents communicate messages regarding race and culture contributes significantly to youth's academic, behavioral, and mental health outcomes, independent of other parenting factors such as parental warmth. However, messages centered on preparing youth for experiences of discrimination are not having the intended beneficial effect. More research is needed on how parents can teach their children about the realities of racism and how to cope while still promoting well-being and self-efficacy.

Proactive coping with discrimination: A mediator between ethnic‐racial socialization and Latinx youth's internalizing symptoms

“…Our last question focused on the indirect effects between ERS messages and internalizing symptoms. Given prior studies that have identified a negative relation between cultural socialization and mental health indicators among Latinx youth (e.g., Espinoza et al., 2016; Salcido & Stein, 2023), we examined one possible mechanism through which cultural socialization may relate to mental health. Controlling for frequency of discrimination, we found that cultural socialization was directly related to the use of proactive coping strategies 6 months later, which in turn, was related to fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.…”

“…However, there is some evidence that ERS practices relate to youth mental health outcomes among Latinx samples. For instance, cultural socialization has been related to higher self‐esteem (e.g., Gonzales‐Backen et al., 2017; Salcido & Stein, 2023) and decreases in depressive symptoms (e.g., Espinoza et al., 2016; Wang & Benner, 2016). Findings with preparation for bias are more equivocal (e.g., Salcido & Stein, 2023), but this may be due to limited studies examining preparation for bias among Latinx families (Ayón et al., 2020).…”

“…For instance, cultural socialization has been related to higher self‐esteem (e.g., Gonzales‐Backen et al., 2017; Salcido & Stein, 2023) and decreases in depressive symptoms (e.g., Espinoza et al., 2016; Wang & Benner, 2016). Findings with preparation for bias are more equivocal (e.g., Salcido & Stein, 2023), but this may be due to limited studies examining preparation for bias among Latinx families (Ayón et al., 2020). It is important for researchers to not only examine the benefits of ERS but also how ERS confers its promotive effects.…”