Ethnic Identity Development and Socialization of Latinx Youth from Divorced Households

The current study examines responses of Latinx young adult’s (n=65) perceptions, as youth, of disruptions related to the divorce of their parents. To do this, a sample of Latinx young adults who experienced parental divorce during adolescence were asked to retrospectively assess their experiences surrounding their parents’ divorce and their adherence to Latinx cultural values, ethnic socialization, and ethnic identity. Findings indicated higher levels of parental divorce disruptions experienced by participants. Additionally, association between the perceived disruptions and adherence to Latinx cultural values varied across different domains of disruptions related to the divorce. Families also appeared to engage in ethnic socialization of the youth, as the divorce did not disrupt this process. Clinical implications encourage mental health professionals to provide culturally relevant care and opportunities for ethnic identity exploration for Latinx young adult clients who are from divorced households.