Refugee Identities: Ethnicity as a Communicative Process

Prospective associations between trauma, placement disruption, and ethnic‐racial identity among newly emancipated foster youth

“…Moreover, these associations did not differ significantly by youth gender or ethnicity‐race. These findings counter previous empirical evidence suggesting that ethnicity‐ or race‐based trauma (e.g., discrimination, racism, religious persecution) may heighten one's interest and motivation to develop one's ERI (Bilge, 2018; Umaña‐Taylor, 2016), but are consistent with other works indicating that foster youth evidence disrupted ERI development (White et al, 2008).…”

“…Despite ample evidence highlighting the importance of ethnic-racial socialization practices for promoting positive attitudes toward in-group membership and advanced stages of ERI development (Derlan & Umaña-Taylor, 2015;Sanchez, Whittaker, Hamilton, & Arango, 2017), as well as the crucial role of parents and family members in this process (Brown et al, 2007;Knight et al, 2011), little is known about how traumatic events, particularly those that center on the disruption of family bonds, may be related to ERI development. Empirical evidence from refugee samples suggests that some experiences of adversity, such as war, conflict, and forced relocation, may heighten ethnic awareness and commitment to one's ERI, especially when direct threats are made to those identities (Bilge, 2018). However, there is reason to expect that exposure to other types of trauma, such as childhood maltreatment or out-ofhome placement, may undermine ERI formation and maintenance in ethnic-racial minority youth.…”

“…Although a sizable body of research has evaluated factors that influence ERI components among typically developing youth (see Hughes et al, 2006 for review), less is known about if and how atypical developmental experiences, such as trauma or separation from kin through foster care, are associated with ERI development. This is particularly important because traumatic events may thwart or distort ERI development (White et al, 2008; Yancey, 1992), at the same time some evidence suggests that exposure to adverse events, such as discrimination, may heighten the protective salience of ERI (Bilge, 2018; Umaña‐Taylor, 2016). Unfortunately, beyond studies of discrimination, little is known about the adaptive correlates or consequences of ERI among other adversity‐exposed groups of ethnic‐racial minority youth, such as those involved in the child‐welfare system.…”

Mental Health Interventions: Reflections on a Radio Program as Alternative for Stigma Reduction and Social Integration

“…Research by Bilge (2018) affirms that communication is not simply a tool but is the framework or the essential context in which identities are formed, strengthened, and passed along. Studies connecting mass media and stigma for individuals with mental health problems conclude that mass media can play an essential role in the way society perceives mental illness (Tilli, 2016).…”