A Theoretical and Empirical Examination of Identity as Coping: Linking Coping Resources to the Self Processes of African American Youth

Spencer's (1995) Phenomenological Variant of Ecological Systems Theory is presented as a theoretical framework to integrate issues of context, coping, and identity in human development. The relation of coping supports (i.e., cultural socialization and spirituality) to psychological well-being was investigated for a sample of low resource African American youth. Results suggest that employment of religion and spirituality and cultural pride as a form of coping is important in the development of a healthy sense of self and a healthy sense of self in relation to others, especially among Black adolescent boys. The finding was not replicated among girls, suggesting the need to investigate other forms of support.