Ethnic identity in relation to country of birth among adolescents and emerging adults in Sweden

Abstract: This study explored ethnic identity in relation to country of birth among young people in Sweden and their possible influence on identity development and psychological well-being. Participants (N = 624) were students, ages 15-19. The results indicated that ethnic identity and country of birth relate in such that participants with ethnic majority identity tended to have a Swedish background; participants with mixed ethnic identity tended to have a varied background (e.g. combined parental background or Swedish participant, non-Swedish parental background); and participants with ethnic minority identity tended to have a non-Swedish background. However, there were individual deviations from this pattern. The results also suggested variations in identity distress and life satisfaction, with regards to ethnic identity and country of birth.