Black female emerging adult college students’ ethnic-racial identity components predicting physical health

Black American women are disproportionately affected by diseases, such as obesity, heart disease, and cancer, and risks are reduced by better physical activity and nutrition. Given these disparities, it is particularly important to understand factors that inform physical health prior to this heightened risk during adulthood, such as ethnic-racial identity during emerging adulthood. The present study tested associations between components of ethnic-racial identity (i.e., exploration, resolution, centrality, and negative affect) and two indicators of physical health (i.e., physical activity and nutrition) among 220 Black female emerging adults (Mage = 18.88, SD = 1.42). Findings indicated that ERI exploration predicted better physical activity and nutrition, and ERI resolution predicted better physical activity. Contrary to expectations, ERI centrality predicted less physical activity and nutrition, and ERI negative affect predicted better nutrition. Findings highlight the importance of considering Black female emerging adults’ attitudes and behaviors regarding their ethnicity/race when focusing on physical health.