The aim of this study was to investigate the development of identity safety—where all participants are valued, included, and can engage without fear of stigmatization—among underrepresented youth and adults in a community-based youth development program. Qualitative in-depth interviews were conducted daily with three youth and two adult mentors about their experiences in the program (a total of 32 interviews). Data analysis revealed that participants developed identity safety through engaging in programmatic activities that explored youth's identities, practicing authenticity in daily interactions, and facilitating dynamic communication across intergenerational friendships. Participants described sustaining identity safety through formal social support spaces, mutual support in group settings, and peer support. Ultimately, these experiences set the foundation for youth and adults to engage in positive risk-taking and self-reflection. Implications for researchers and youth development programs are discussed.

中文翻译：

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“在这里，我可以做我自己”：青年和成年人如何跨不同领域合作发展身份安全社区

本研究的目的是调查身份安全的发展——所有参与者都受到重视，包括在内，并且可以在无耻辱的情况下参与——在以社区为基础的青年发展计划中代表人数不足的青年和成年人。每天对三名青年和两名成人导师进行定性深入访谈，了解他们在该计划中的经历（共 32 次访谈）。数据分析显示，参与者通过参与探索青年身份的项目活动、在日常互动中实践真实性以及促进跨代际友谊的动态交流，从而提高了身份安全性。参与者描述了通过正式的社会支持空间、群体环境中的相互支持和同伴支持来维持身份安全。最终，这些经历为青年和成年人积极承担风险和自我反省奠定了基础。讨论了对研究人员和青年发展计划的影响。