Theory of Racial Identity Development Racial identity development is a part of the overall growth of an individual. It plays an important role in the process of self-realization. The essay elaborates various theories and models of racial identity development. It explores the concepts of Nigrescence deemed to provide the re-socializing experience that the African Americans undergo as they transform their identities from non-Afrocentric to Afrocentric. Finally, they adopt multiculturalism. Cross’s Model of Nigrescence The psychological model of Nigrescence elaborates the re-socialization experience whereby a healthy black person must progress from non-Afrocentric to an Afrocentric to a multicultural identity (Altbach, Arnold, & King, 2014). The model is based on the two components namely the personal identity and reference groups of orientation (Shin, 2015). Helm’s White Identity Model Helm gives a six-step model for the White superior identity that examines the individualism, culture, and racism based on particular institutions. The model focused on the status of the whites and their progress from the racist notion. The stages of the model provide an explicit interracial experience as a source of trigger that leads to the development of racial identity (Wihak, 2015). Phinney’s Model of Ethnic Identity Development The model elaborates ethnic identity process relevant to the different cultural groups. It holds that the individuals of different ethnic origins must resolve issues that emanate from the members of the non-dominant groups. The non-dominant groups must address stereotyping and prejudicial actions of the dominating groups (Gong, 2007). Example of the Theories in Action in My Life Being a Negro in the USA, I hate our African American values because owing to the feeling of having the same characteristics as the Whites. The awareness of racism has significantly influenced my conscience. At one time, I met a Korean who also felt oppressed owing to racism in the US. This situation led to the alleviation of such acts of racism by encouraging various individuals, groups, and organizations to understand their roles in the promotion of racism in the country. Advantages and Limitations of the Theories Understanding racial identity development has helped me in the identification, examination, and modification of multicultural practices including self-concepts and affiliations. There are limiting factors such as the resistance resulting from the minority groups to dominate particular fields such as the research on the problem of racial inequality in nursing practice. Did you find that it was reflected in one of the theories? If so, state the theory by explaining how it fits in your life. Yes. My personal development is clearly depicted in the Phinney’s ethnic identity development model. The understanding of the theory brings about the awareness of self-development and self-evaluation. This situation heightens an individual’s self-esteem. By living among friends and people of different ethnic backgrounds, I often experience discrimination; hence, the understanding of the Phinney’s model helps me overcome such depressions. Indeed, this inclination to th