Ethnic Identity Profiles Among Adolescents in the ABCD Study: Associations with Resting State Functional Connectivity
Taylor R Jancetic1,2, Micaela Lembo3, Chloe L Hampson2,4
1Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA.
Biorxiv : the Preprint Server for Biology
|September 5, 2025
Summary
Adolescents with diffuse ethnic identities show stronger cingulo-parietal network connectivity. Perceived discrimination influences this connection in those with moderate ethnic identity, impacting brain function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Ethnic identity is linked to psychological well-being and resilience against discrimination.
- Prior research on ethnic identity has focused on psychosocial outcomes, with limited exploration of neurobiological aspects.
- Phinney's model outlines four profiles of ethnic identity exploration and commitment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify ethnic identity profiles in adolescents using latent profile analysis within the ABCD Study.
- To investigate differences in resting-state functional connectivity across these ethnic identity profiles.
- To examine the moderating role of perceived discrimination on the relationship between ethnic identity and brain connectivity.
Main Methods:
- Latent profile analysis was used to categorize adolescents based on their ethnic identity profiles.
- Resting-state functional connectivity was analyzed using neuroimaging data from the ABCD Study.
- Statistical models assessed the interaction between ethnic identity profiles, perceived discrimination, and CPAR network connectivity.
Main Results:
- Adolescents with highly diffuse ethnic identities exhibited increased cingulo-parietal (CPAR) network connectivity.
- For adolescents with moderately achieved ethnic identities, perceived discrimination moderated the link between ethnic identity and CPAR connectivity.
- These findings suggest a neurobiological basis for how ethnic identity and discrimination interact.
Conclusions:
- Ethnic identity profiles are associated with distinct patterns of brain functional connectivity in adolescents.
- The interplay between ethnic identity, perceived discrimination, and brain function is complex and warrants further investigation.
- Findings may inform our understanding of attentional processes, error monitoring, memory, and social cognition in diverse adolescent populations.
Keywords:
ABCD Studyadolescencediscriminationethnic identityfMRIresting state functional connectivityMore Related Videos
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