The Moderating Role of Centrality on Associations Between Ethnic Identity Affirmation and Ethnic Minority College Students’ Mental Health

Abstract

Results suggested that the associations between ethnic affirmation and mental health were stronger for Latino/a and Asian American students who reported higher levels of ethnic centrality. For African Americans, higher levels of ethnic affirmation predicted better mental health, but this association did not vary as a function of ethnic centrality.

School Belonging, Ethnic Identity, and Psychological Adjustment Among Ethnic Minority College Students

“…Specifically, while bivariate correlations indicated ethnic identity was associated with both scholastic competence and global self-worth, only a weak association was found with self-worth, after controlling for demographic characteristics and school belonging. The lack of stronger support for a link between ethnic identity and psychological adjustment was surprising based on previous research (e.g., Brittian, Umaña-Taylor, Lee et al, 2013;Yip et al, 2006). However, this pattern of findings is consistent with some previous research where ethnic identity has been more strongly linked to positive outcomes (e.g., self-worth) as compared to negative outcomes (e.g., depressive symptoms; Silva & Smith, 2011).…”

“…Louis & Liem, 2005). Conversely, those who have a less well-defined ethnic identity report more symptoms of anxiety and depression (Brittian, Umaña-Taylor, Lee et al, 2013;Yip, Seaton, & Sellers, 2006). Findings have been consistent across studies focused on specific ethnic groups, including Hispanic Americans (e.g., Cronin, Downloaded by [University of Otago] at 09:43 02 October 2015 Levin, Branscombe, van Laar, & Tropp, 2012), Asian Americans (e.g., Lee, Yun, Yoo, & Nelson, 2010;Tran & Lee, 2010), and African Americans (e.g., Lorenzo-Hernández & Ouellette, 1998).…”

Identity Centrality and Psychosocial Functioning

“…However, it is important for interventions to first acknowledge that identity consists of the confluence of various components and that not every component is likely to be an equally central aspect of an individual's sense of self (Brittian et al, 2013;Cheek & Briggs, 1982). Whether a wellrounded integrated identity is necessary for healthy development has remained an empirical question that will help inform the next generation of identity-focused interventions.…”

Youth Identity, Peace and Conflict: Insights from Conflict and Diverse Settings

“…Through these processes, youth develop both positive and negative feelings about their ethnic identity (Umaña- Taylor et al, 2014;Umaña-Taylor, Yazedjian, & Bámaca-Gómez, 2004). Umaña- Taylor et al's (2004) model has been widely used and supported to explain ethnic identity formation among a range of ethnic groups (Brittian et al, 2013;Umaña-Taylor & Shin, 2007). Through this model, it is possible to understand how the individual interacts with the social context to develop identity; this interaction is important to consider when designing policy and practice targeted to improve individual development and cross-ethnic relations.…”