Unpacking Conceptions of Being American in Relation to Identity and Mental Health Among Emerging Adults of Color

Objective: To explore how U.S. youth of color understand American identity, particularly amid heightened racial/ethnic and political tensions. Methods: We used quantitative methods to analyze inductive themes in qualitative responses from 450 emerging adults of color collected during the first administration of Donald Trump. Results: We identified themes around what it means to be American, ways youth felt American, and ways youth felt not American. Themes varied based on race/ethnicity, gender, and nativity, revealing diversity in how American identity is experienced. Themes also related to measures of cultural identity and mental health. Conclusion: Findings underscore the complexity of national identity among youth of color who are navigating what it means to be American amid sociopolitical conflict.