Ethnicity-Related Sources of Stress and Their Effects on Well-Being

Abstract

Early research on ethnicity focused on the stereotyped thinking, prejudiced attitudes, and discriminatory actions of Euro-Americans. Minoritygroup members were viewed largely as passive targets of these negative reactions, with low self-esteem studied as the main psychological outcome. By contrast, recent research has increasingly made explicit use of stress theory in emphasizing the perspectives and experiences of minority-group members. Several ethnicity-related stressors have been identified, and it has been found that individuals cope with these threats in an active, purposeful manner. In this article, we focus on ethnicity-related stress stemming from discrimination, from stereotypes, and from conformity pressure arising from one's own ethnic group. We discuss theory and review research in which examination of ethnicity-related outcomes has extended beyond self-esteem to include psychological and physical well-being.

Abuse, Bullying, and Discrimination as Risk Factors for Binge Eating Disorder

“…Physical bullying by peers is another form of abuse that is gaining attention, given data documenting its relationship to adverse mental health outcomes (20), including binge eating (21). Finally, studies of health and psychological problems among black Americans have identified discrimination based on ethnicity as an important ethnicity-specific risk factor (22,23). The present study examined the contribution of four types of abusive experiences to risk for the development of binge eating disorder: childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse, bullying by peers, and discrimination.…”

Discourse from #TheRealUW: What Tweets Say about Racial Concerns at a Predominately White Institution

“…Contrada et al (2000) identify "stereotype confirmation-concern"-that is, "the chronic apprehension about appearing to confirm an ethnic stereotype"-as one of the top sources of ethnicity-related stress. On the other hand, "own-group conformity pressure" is a commonly felt stressor which, for example, may discourage African-Americans from excelling academically to avoid "acting white".…”

Ethnicity-related Stress, Mental Health, and Well-being

“…Primary concepts include ethnic discrimination, stereotype threat, and own-group conformity pressure (Contrada, et al, 2000). Subsumed under ethnic discrimination would be stress associated with attributional ambiguity (Crocker, Major & Steele, 1998).…”

“…Subsumed under ethnic discrimination would be stress associated with attributional ambiguity (Crocker, Major & Steele, 1998). Contrada, et al, (2000) note the attention has shifted from the perpetrators of prejudice and discrimination to the inner phenomenology of the individual who is the target of discrimination. Further, the contribution of stress theory and recent broadening of outcomes to include psychological and physical wellbeing are acknowledged.…”

“…Ethnic discrimination Contrada, et al, (2000) describe ethnic discrimination as an ever-present psychological Stressor that involves unfair treatment of a person due to their ethnicity. Consistent with trends emphasizing more subtle forms of prejudiced behavior that range upon a continuum (e.g.…”