ABSTRACT Critical consciousness (CC) is a key developmental process that enables individuals, particularly people of color and marginalized communities systematically disadvantaged to examine their experiences and social inequalities ( critical reflection ), cultivate empowerment to take action ( critical motivation ) and partake in collective action against these injustices ( critical action) . However, the mental health implications CC development, particularly engagement in critical action, remain unclear, especially in young adulthood and over time. To address these gaps, our study employed cross‐sectional and short‐term longitudinal models to explore the associations between socioemotional well‐being (depression, anxiety, and self‐esteem) and CC among a sample of 511 Black and Latine young adults (18–34 years old; 71% women) in Canada. Complex cross‐sectional associations emerged between CC and socioemotional well‐being outcomes. Longitudinally, higher critical reflection was associated with greater anxiety symptoms 1‐year later. Further research is needed to investigate longer‐term consequences of CC on well‐being and mental health.
Donciu et al. (2026) studied this question.