The article discusses the development of ethnic and racial identity (ERI) during adolescence and young adulthood, emphasizing the integration of individual experiences with sociohistorical contexts. It proposes a metaconstruct of ERI that captures both ethnic background and racialized experiences. The study highlights the importance of understanding ERI as a multidimensional psychological construct influenced by developmental and contextual factors. Key components of ERI include exploration, centrality, affirmation, and public regard, which evolve through different developmental stages. The article emphasizes the role of social environments, including family, peers, and school, in shaping ERI. It also discusses the impact of discrimination, cultural exposure, and socialization on ERI development. The study underscores the need for further research on the interplay between ERI and adjustment, as well as the importance of considering cultural participation and social contexts in understanding ERI. The article concludes with the significance of ERI in shaping identity and the need for a comprehensive approach to studying its development across the lifespan.The article discusses the development of ethnic and racial identity (ERI) during adolescence and young adulthood, emphasizing the integration of individual experiences with sociohistorical contexts. It proposes a metaconstruct of ERI that captures both ethnic background and racialized experiences. The study highlights the importance of understanding ERI as a multidimensional psychological construct influenced by developmental and contextual factors. Key components of ERI include exploration, centrality, affirmation, and public regard, which evolve through different developmental stages. The article emphasizes the role of social environments, including family, peers, and school, in shaping ERI. It also discusses the impact of discrimination, cultural exposure, and socialization on ERI development. The study underscores the need for further research on the interplay between ERI and adjustment, as well as the importance of considering cultural participation and social contexts in understanding ERI. The article concludes with the significance of ERI in shaping identity and the need for a comprehensive approach to studying its development across the lifespan.