Juan Del Toro Publishes New Child Development Research on Ethnic-Racial Discrimination and Adolescent Development
A new study published in Child Development, led by Juan Del Toro, found that racial-ethnic identity exploration may help protect early adolescents of color from the negative effects of racial-ethnic discrimination. Del Toro used a sibling control design to compare adolescents along two dimensions: racial-ethnic identity exploration and commitment. Results showed that actively engaging in identity exploration, versus simply identifying strongly with one’s racial-ethnic group (i.e., commitment), is a better predictor of resilience in the face of discrimination during early adolescence.
Del Toro’s broader program of research focuses on the effects of racial discrimination, identity, and socialization across the lifespan. According to Del Toro, outcomes often trace back to early messages we are exposed to in childhood. His research integrates developmental and social psychological frameworks to inform policies and interventions that improve youth well-being.
Juan Del Toro, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota; primary appointment in Personality, Individual Differences, and Behavior Genetics (PIB).
Composed by Nguyen Kiet Pham, communications assistant.
