Effect of challenge initiative and facilitator ethnic similarity on intent to explore ethnic identity among adolescents who are ethnic minorities

This study examined the effects of challenge initiatives (self-disclosure vs. non-self-disclosure) and facilitator similarity (ethnic minority facilitator vs. nonethnic minority facilitator) on intent to explore ethnic identity among adolescents who are ethnic minorities. Research participants included African American, Latino/Hispanic, and Pacific Islander boys and girls who participate in programs provided by the Boys and Girls Club of America. Treatment conditions consisted of one hour and a half sessions of challenge initiatives. Challenge initiatives included participation in activities designed to encourage intent to explore ethnic identity, along with post participation processing experiences. Eight groups of 8 to 12 participants were created for data collection. Intent to explore ethnic identity was measured using an index designed for this study. Measures were taken at the completion of the one and one half hour intervention. Hierarchical linear modeling was used to estimate parameters and test hypotheses.;The study tested two hypotheses. The first was that a challenge initiative facilitator's ethnic minority status would be associated with participants' greater intentions to explore their own ethnic identities. The second was that facilitators who self-disclosed would be associated with participants' greater intentions to explore their own ethnic identities. Neither hypothesis was supported.