Identity Project Global

The Identity Project Global (IP Global) is a research initiative that unites scholars from around the world to explore the development  of ethnic-racial identity and the academic and mental health outcomes of adolescents. Currently, IP Global includes collaborations with scholars from nine countries – across Europe, North America, and South America - delving into the universal and country-specific nuances of adolescents’ ethnic-racial identity development and positive youth outcomes across varied cultural landscapes. Part of this work includes understanding how the efficacy of the Identity Project intervention varies across seven countries (USA, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Greece, Sweden, and Norway).  

What sets IP Global apart?  

IP Global is distinguished by its careful attention to national and culture-specific contexts to better understand the universal versus nation-specific nuances of ethnic-racial identity development among adolescents and young adults. Through our network's sharing of research insights across countries, we are working toward building a more global developmental science. Furthermore, we plan to explore the cross-cultural equivalence of constructs and measures to better understand the possibility of harmonizing data sets across countries, in addition to considering the aspects of theories that are relevant and useful across different cultural contexts. This rich and careful approach to collaboration enables a more thorough examination of identity development, possibilities for intervention, and clearer understanding of the conditions under which universal interventions can have maximum impact for youth across the globe. Our collaborative approach leverages the skills, talents, and expertise of teams in multiple countries and enables us to leverage a diversity of methods and theoretical foundations, which fosters a more nuanced and therefore deeper understanding of adolescent development.  

Through its global reach and commitment to rigorous research, IP Global aims to understand the complex dynamics shaping youth identity and outcomes. More importantly, it aims to discover effective strategies and pedagogical approaches that enhance the development and well-being of youth across diverse contexts. This blend of breadth and depth in research positions IP Global as a leader in its field, driving innovations that contribute meaningfully to youth development.