Interethnic relations in adolescence: risk and protective factors

This academic thesis has two aims: first, to investigate distinct social and individual risk and protective factors impacting the psychological well-being of both native and migrant adolescents; second, to contribute to understanding their role in influencing positive interethnic relations among both groups. The thesis consists of three distinct studies. The first study focuses on mental health disparities among native and migrant adolescents in Italy, specifically examining the predictive roles of experienced victimization and perceived ethnic discrimination on the presence of social anxiety symptoms among secondary school students. This section establishes a comprehensive theoretical foundation for understanding the psychological discrepancies between native and migrant adolescents, delving into the consequences of school bullying, ethnic discrimination, and their correlation with internalizing problems. The second study investigates the relationship between victimization experiences and internalizing problems within the frameworks of the social information processing model and the minority stress model. It explores the role of the self-blame attribution style in comprehending the psychological consequences of victimization in migrant adolescents. The third study shifts the focus towards the positive aspects of adolescent development. It examines how ethnic identity is related to prosocial behaviors in Latin American adolescents, considering self-esteem and inter-ethnic group interactions as potential mediating factors. In conclusion, this thesis contributes to the examination of the intricate dynamics of adolescent development in multiethnic contexts. It emphasizes the importance of promoting positive peer relationships and addressing the challenges associated with negative interactions between native and migrant youths. The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals seeking to enhance the well-being of young individuals and foster more inclusive and healthier communities.