Narrative Review: Examining the Associations Between Ethnic-Racial Identity and Mental Health Outcomes Among African American Emerging Adults and Adults

Given the prevalence of racism in the United States that has led to the increase of adverse mental health outcomes and disparities in care among African Americans, ethnic-racial identity (ERI) is a significant cultural resource that may be beneficial in understanding African American's mental health outcomes. This narrative review aimed to summarize and synthesize the existing literature on the associations between African Americans' ERI and mental health outcomes, highlighting the developmental periods, types of mental health symptoms, and types of promotive mental health-related behaviors (MHRBs) that have been studied to date. Twenty-six peer-reviewed, empirical studies met the inclusion criteria. Results indicated that affirmation/private regard and positive public regard were mainly associated with less anxiety and depressive symptoms among emerging adults and adults. Centrality revealed inconclusive associations with mental health symptoms. Additionally, centrality and public and private regard have been associated with the use of promotive MHRBs among adults. Exploration and resolution were mainly associated with fewer mental health symptoms among emerging adults. Overall, ERI plays a key role in African Americans' mental health outcomes and reveals important implications for interventions.