Sieata R.M.

Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of
African Americans in
America
Student Development Theory
Leadership 622-OA
Dr. Patricia McDonald
October 06, 2014

Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Table of Contents:
1. Introduction
2. Phinneys Model of Ethnic Identity Development
3. History in Social Psychology
4. Origins in Developmental Psychology
5. Ethnic Identity of African Americans
6. Conclusion
7. References
Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
Introduction:

What is Ethnic Identity? Psychologist Jean Phinney defines Ethnic Identity as being the multitude of
characteristics like nationality, ancestry, religion, language, culture, and history to which personal and social
meanings of group identity are usually attached. However, Phinney
suggest that there are (3) levels in describing Ethnic Identity and they are as follows;

1. The first stage, Unexamined Ethnic Identity, is characterized by a lack of exploration. (In this stage,
individuals may experience diffusion or foreclosure, a lack of interest in ethnicity or a general acceptance of others opinions).
2. The second stage of the model, (Ethnic Identity Search/ Moratorium, combines the notions of encounter and
exploration. The individual starts to develop their ethnic identity during this stage which is often initiated by a harsh or
indirect event).
3. The third stage of the model is (Ethnic Identity Achievement. Individuals at this stage have a clear sense of their
ethnic identity). (Phinney, 1990).



Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
For instance, lets examine the complexity of Ethnic Identity regarding the African American race in America.
First, we must define what Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks is in America and how does it pertain
to Developmental Psychology? Well, according to a published report conducted by CNN shared the findings
of scholar Yaba Blay who explored the topic of Racial Identity of Blacks in America and concluded in her
research project called One Drop which was named after a rule in the United States that once mandated
that any person with One Drop of Negro blood was denoted as being black. As this was slang in
terminology, the rule meant that a person with a black family member from five generations ago was to be
considered black. (Basu, 2012). Having stating the following, William E. Cross, Jr., Ph.D., and leading theorist
and researcher in the field of Ethnic Identity and Identity Development contends that are four stages of
Ethnic Minority Identity Development and they are as follows;
1. Pre- encounter 2. Encounter 3. Immersion/Emersion 4. Internalization


Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
http://www.samlouiemft.com/category/asian-shame/
Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
For Example, the Pre-Encounter is the stage where African Americans seeks the acceptance, beliefs and values
of White America, however, the Encounter phase is completely the opposite and this stage forces African
Americans to acknowledge the impact of racism in ones life, and the Immersion Phase aids the individual into
actively seeking out opportunities that explores the diverse aspects of their own history and culture with the
support of peers from their own racial background, while the final stage is Internalization/Commitment Phase
which helps members of black ethnicity to build coalitions with members of other oppressed groups
those of who are anchored in a positive sense of racial identity that will transcend race proactively. (Cross,
1971, 1978, 1991).

Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
Phinneys Model Of Ethnic Identity Development:

Such as, Unexamined Ethnic Identity which is the first phase in understanding the various differences
pertaining to Cultural distinctiveness because this is the primary stage where children are influenced by their
parents along with the news media; while the second stage of Ethnic Identity focuses on the comparison,
contrast and analysis on what makes cultures diverse from one another whilst the final stage is when an
individual understands his/her role and acceptance of their cultural identity as this will play an imperative role
concerning their general life choices that will essentially encourage self-confidence and self-assurance.
(Phinney, 1990).
Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
Phinneys Model Of Ethnic Identity Development:

Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
History In Social Psychology:

However, according to Psychologist Kendra Cherry states that Social Psychology History is a psychological term
that was developed by world renowned Psychologist Gordon Allport who is recognized for being one of the
founding fathers who defined the meaning of Personality Psychology and Traits Theory of Personality in
description Gordon proposes that Social Psychology looks at a wide range of social topics, including group
behavior, social perception, leadership, nonverbal behavior, conformity, aggression and prejudice. (Cherry,
2014). Even so, Social Psychology is expressed as being the scientific study of how people's thoughts feelings
and behaviors are influenced by the actual, imagined, or implied presence of others. (Science Daily).


Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
History In Social Psychology:


Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
Origins in Developmental Psychology:

E.g., lets examine the meaning of Developmental Psychology and how it relates to the term Ethnic Identity. In
essence Developmental Psychology is the innate study of age-related changes in behavior from birth to death.
(Helen M.G. Watt, 2008). Yet, Ethnic Identity is denoted as being a part of a persons self-concept and comes
from his/her knowledge of membership in a social group, or groups, along with the value and emotional
significance associated with membership in that group with such characteristics as skin color, hair texture,
facial features and eye color. (Rice, 2006).


Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
Conclusion:
Overall, one physicals appearance is the critical dynamic in defining Ethnic/Racial Identity and race all over the
world. Perhaps, various forms and theories of cultural and ethnic identity development have swiftly
multiplied in the last two decades as the melting pot framework has given way to acknowledgment of a
racially and ethnically diverse U.S. population. (Cross, 1995). Yet, other ethnic groups including the African
American race along with other cultural groups must remain mindful of their distinct language and history in
order to remain connected to their individual cultural dynamics that will guarantee the
structure of ones racial and ethical identity overtime.

Sieata R.M. Flaggs-Duhart
Ethnic Identity of African Americans/Blacks In America
References
Basu, M. (2012, December 9). Black in America: It's not just about the color of your skin. Retrieved from CNN: http://inamerica.blogs.cnn.com/2012/12/09/black-in-america-its-
not-just-about-the-color-of-your-skin/
Cherry, K. (2014). What is Social Psychology? Retrieved from About.com: http://psychology.about.com/od/socialpsycholgy/f/socialpsych.htm.
Cross, W. E., Jr. The Psychology of Nigrescence: Revising the Cross Model. In J. G. Ponterott, J. M. Casas, L. A. Suzuki, and C. M. Alexander (eds.), Handbook of
Multicultural Counseling. Thousand Oaks, Calif.: Sage, 1995.
Cross. (1971, 1978, 1991). Talking about Race, Learning about Racism: The Application of Racial Identity Development Theory in the Classroom. Cambridge, Massachuetts,
United States. Retrieved from Harvard Educational Review.
Helen M.G. Watt, P.A. (2008). Apa.org. Retrieved from American Psychological Association:
http://www.apa.org/search.aspx?query=&fq=ContributorFilt:%22Eccles,JacquelynneS.%22&sort=ContentDateSort desc.
Johnson, E. (2010, November 20). College Student Development Theory. Retrieved from Collegestudentdeveltheory.blogspot.com:
http://collegestudentdeveltheory.blogspot.com/2010/11/phinneys-model-of-ethnic-identity.html.
Phinney, J. (1989). Stages of ethnic identity in minority group adolescents. Journal of Early Adolescence, 9, 34-49.
Phinney, J. (1990). Ethnic Identity In Adolescents and Adults: Review Of Research. Psychological Bulletin, 108, 499-514.
Rice, T. (2006). Racial and ethnic identity, phenotype, racist experiences, and well among individuals. Order No. 3220333, Arizona State University, 116.
Ron Fitzgerald, D. E. (2009). Success In Teaching. Retrieved from Success In Teaching. Info:
http://www.successinteaching.info/SuccessInTeaching/Emotional_Intelligence.html.
(http://www.samlouiemft.com/category/asian-shame/).
Science Daily. (n.d). Retrieved from sciencdaily.com: http://www.sciencedaily.com/articles/s/social_psychology_ (psychology).htm.
Image:
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