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).