Understanding Young Adolescent Identity and Experiences Through Internal Dimensions: A Scoping Review

The purpose of this study was to explore multiple facets of young adolescent identity and related experiences through a scoping literature review. Based on Gardenswartz and Rowe’s Four Layers of Diversity Model, we specifically examined extant literature around five of the internal dimensions: gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, and physical ability. Two overarching research questions guided this investigation: What is the range and nature of current findings on young adolescent identity and experience? What gaps exist in research on young adolescent identity and experiences? To address these research questions, our research group conducted a scoping literature review using predetermined search strings related to young adolescents, identity, and experiences. We organized and presented our results in three sections: (a) gender and sexuality, (b) race and ethnicity, and (c) physical ability and disability. For each section, we specified the relevant research details, summarized the nature and characteristics of articles reviewed in a table, and described the themes derived from the reviews of literature. An overall finding was the dearth of research on young adolescent identity and experiences. Our research highlights the importance of an intersectional approach for understanding and studying the totality of young adolescent identity and experiences.