Cultural and ethnic identity

Cultural and ethnic identity is an important feature of belongingness and for young people aged between 16 and 19 this may include trying different religions or exploring their own spirituality as they seek to identify their personal viewpoints. Belonging is an important feature and participation may include passionate and emotional intensity as well as a desire to meet with like-minded others.

Impulsivity combined with confidence within peer groups can also make young people vulnerable to less desirable activity including criminal offending, racial tensions and in a few individuals, extremism.