Ethnic-Racial Socialization among Latinx Families: A Systematic Review of the Literature

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to systematically review the literature on ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) in Latinx families to examine (1) ERS strategies used by parents and (2) associations between ERS and children’s social-behavioral health and academic outcomes. A systemic review of peer-reviewed articles using PsycINFO, Social Services Abstracts, and PubMed was completed. Inclusion criteria included ERS strategies, Latinx samples, and inclusion of children ages 0–18 or parents with children ages 0–18. Sixty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was completed using predefined data fields. The existing research reveals that ERS is consequential for Latinx children. It is related to a variety of outcomes, including children’s ethnic identity development, academic adjustment, and mental and behavioral health. The effects are conditional on several parent and child factors and inconsistent across ERS strategies. We discuss gaps in the current body of knowledge and identify pathways for future research.