Depression as a Moderator in the Relation Between Mothers' and Daughters' Ethnic Identity Commitment

Objectives: This study examined whether maternal depressive symptoms moderated the association between mothers' and daughters' ethnic identity commitment. Method: The sample included 165 (69% Latina. 26% African American/Black, and 5% Asian, Native American, or Middle Eastern) mother-adolescent daughter dyads. Mothers' self-reported on their ethnic identity commitment and depressive symptoms, and adolescent daughters self-reported on their ethnic identity commitment. Results: After controlling for adolescent age and language, results revealed no association between mothers' and daughters' ethnic identity commitment. However, a 2-way interaction was found. Mothers' and daughters' ethnic identity commitment were positively related when mothers reported low depressive symptoms, and negatively related when mothers reported high depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Family clinicians who work to strengthen positive self-concepts in girls of color should consider promoting their mothers' attachment to their ethnic group and treating existing maternal depressive symptoms.