Ethnic identity in relation to country of birth among adolescents and emerging adults in Sweden

Abstract

This study explored ethnic identity in relation to country of birth among young people in Sweden and their possible influence on identity development and psychological well-being. Participants (N = 624) were students, ages 15-19. The results indicated that ethnic identity and country of birth relate in such that participants with ethnic majority identity tended to have a Swedish background; participants with mixed ethnic identity tended to have a varied background (e.g. combined parental background or Swedish participant, non-Swedish parental background); and participants with ethnic minority identity tended to have a non-Swedish background. However, there were individual deviations from this pattern. The results also suggested variations in identity distress and life satisfaction, with regards to ethnic identity and country of birth.