Unpacking Ethnic-Racial Messages and Coping Socialization Profiles: Family Relationship Quality and Demographic Differences

Abstract

The current study aimed to 1) identify patterns of ethnic-racial and coping socialization among Black emerging adults, and 2) investigate profile differences in demographics and family relationship quality (e.g., communication and closeness). Six-hundred and three Black emerging adults (Mage = 18.63, 78% Female) at a Minority Serving Institution completed an online survey. We used latent profile analysis (LPA) with three ethnic-racial socialization and two coping socialization indicators. Four profiles emerged: High Socialization, Awareness without Response, Colorblind Coping, and Low Socialization. African American emerging adults were more likely to be in the High Socialization group than other profiles. Those in the High Socialization profile (high ethnic-racial socialization and racial coping socialization) were likely to report parental closeness more than others. Differences in family communication are discussed. The findings reveal that coping support and race-related socialization messages matter throughout emerging adulthood.