Differences in ethnic identity in Native American adolescents as a function of school context

Examined were differences in ethnic identity in 101 Native American male and female 9th and 12th graders. Native American adolescents attending a high school with a predominantly Native American student body demonstrated significantly greater ethnic identify exploration and commitment than Native American adolescents from high schools with a predominantly white student body. The 12th grade Native American adolescents from a high school with a predominantly Native American student body had greater ethnic identity commitment than 9th grade Native American adolescents from the same school. Also, 12th grade Native American adolescents from a high school with a predominantly Native American student body had greater ethnic identity commitment than 9th and 12th grade Native American adolescents from a high school with a predominantly White student body. Exploration and commitment appear to be important aspects of ethnic identity to Native American adolescents. Results highlight the importance of school and community-based contexts on ethnic identity development in Native American adolescents.