The primary constructs within the hypothesized framework are: (1) social position variables — characteristics that are used within societies to hierarchically stratify groups (race, gender, socioeconomic status); (2) parenting variables — familial mechanisms that may influence African American adolescents
well - being, perceptions of competence, and attitudes towards others in various contexts (e.g., parenting
practices and racial socialization messages); (3) racial discrimination — negative racially driven experiences that may influence feelings of competence, belongingness, and self - worth; (4)
environmental / contextual factors — settings and surroundings that may impede or promote healthy identity development (e.g., academic settings); and (5) learner characteristics — individual characteristics that may promote or
hinder positive psychological adjustment outcomes (e.g., racial identity, coping styles).