Trajectory patterns of ethnic–racial identity among immigrant mothers: The predictive role of acculturative stress.

Limited attention has been given to ethnic-racial identity (ERI) development beyond emerging adulthood, which is a critical gap identified in the Lifespan Model of ERI. Previous research suggests that age of arrival in a host country may shape one's overall exposure to sociocultural contexts. The adaptation process can also be stressful, particularly as immigrants often navigate challenges related to "fitting in" and the perception of being seen as outsiders. These experiences could trigger various ERI trajectories at a later stage of life (e.g., during adulthood). Using a three-wave longitudinal data set of 596 Mexican-born mothers, three independent growth mixture models were estimated to identify variations in trajectory patterns of ERI exploration, resolution, and centrality. For exploration and resolution, high-stable and low-increasing trajectories were found. For centrality, high-mild decline and low-increasing trajectories were found. Associations between age of arrival, acculturative stressors (i.e., feeling like a misfit and foreigner stress), and trajectory patterns were examined, controlling for age, income, and education at Wave 1. Results showed that greater feelings of misfit at Wave 1 predicted a higher likelihood of belonging to the high-stable exploration and high-mild decline centrality groups, versus belonging to the low-increasing groups. These findings add to our understanding of the Lifespan Model of ERI by showing that ERI evolves beyond emerging adulthood. This study highlights the role of ongoing acculturative stress in shaping identity development, with potential clinical implications for psychological and sociocultural adaptation in adult immigrants. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).