We form our identity by selecting values, beliefs, and concepts that better define our sense of self. Ethnicity refers to a specific characteristics of shared unique cultural tradition, and an heritage that persists across generations. Ethnic identification is defined as a real awareness of self within a specific group, which is followed by a great sense of respect and pride, and it constitutes a base for the development of a healthy self-concept. Identity, then, is a broad term which describes the general aspects of the individual's total personality - that is, the establishment, assimilation, or integration of, for example, societal norms, values, beliefs, and standards. Developing Ethnic Identity Adolescence may be an emotional turbulent phase of life, due in part to the physical and mental changes in an individual.
Adolescence is a stage, which is also associated with considerable changes in self.
They argued that adolescents must receive community acceptance for their behavior. Erikson spoke of the role of intergenerational socialization where society must provide for a mutual trustworthiness to assure self-chosen values and interests. Achieving a sense of identity is a fundamental task for adolescents. The development of your ethnic identity is a complex, continuous, process related to many factors. Depending on one's self-identity one may be predisposed to feel in a certain way, and to respond favorably or unfavorably to certain life events.