Exploring the Impact of Fostering a Clear and Positive Identity Among Latinx Adolescents in Youth Development Programs: A Systematic Review

Background and Purpose: While research has explored the importance of identity developmental as a rite of passage for adolescents, there is a lack of research on how program activities that encourage identity development are related to outcomes in youth development programs. Research has explored outcomes of youth development programming on youth from a diverse range of backgrounds, there is very limited research evidence, however, on programmatic outcomes for Latinx youth. This systematic review aims to add to the literature in this area examining (1) the relationship between identity development and outcomes for Latinx youth attending youth development programs, (2) whether there are particular aspects of youth development programs that enhance health, educational, or psychosocial outcomes for Latinx youth, and (3) how identity and youth outcomes are measured in youth development programs.

Methods: A systematic literature search, adhering to PRISMA guidelines, was conducted on seven computerized bibliographic databases. Additionally, reference harvesting techniques were used to identify relevant studies from included studies and conference presentations. A comprehensive search string including all known synonyms for Latinx, youth, identity, and youth development was used to identify articles published through 2020. The bibliographic search strategy was developed in consultation of a library scientist. Inclusion/exclusion criteria were developed prior to study initiation. Articles were included if they were youth development programs that served Latinx youth age 14-18 and explored the impact of identity on youth outcomes. Two authors independently completed Title and Abstract screening, full-text review, and data abstraction. Study quality was assessed using the MMAT assessment tool. Data was synthesized using narrative review methods.

Findings: A total of 454 references were imported for title and abstract screening. Seventy-two articles were included in the full-text review stage, of which 67 studies were excluded for reasons that included: engage age, ethnic groups, or setting that a fell outside the study inclusion criteria. Five studies were included in the systematic review. Three of the five studies were qualitative studies and two were quasi-experimental studies that utilized a time-series design. Analyses of study findings found that facilitation strategies that enhanced outcomes for Latinx youth included relationship-building, safe space, and open dialogue. Analysis of the relationship between identity development and program outcomes found that positive identity among Latinx youth was related to increased self-worth and belonging which in turn led to improved vocational and educational success.

Conclusion and Implications: This study found that there is a scarcity in empirical studies that examine the relationship between identity development and program outcomes of Latinx youth. Latinx youth often report feeling stigmatized and socially excluded, which has important implications for identity formation and social belonging, both of which are important for a youth’s process in developing within a community. Although qualitative studies convey the complex experience of Latinx youth in youth development programs, future studies should employ more rigorous methods to examine, test, and integrate approaches toward facilitating identity development among Latinx youth and test its impact on health, behavioral, and educational outcomes.