An Exploration of the Relationship Between Racial Identity, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Racist Events Among African Americans

Author

Laura L. Harris

Date of Graduation

Fall 2010

Degree

Master of Science in Counseling

Department

Counseling, Leadership, and Special Education

Committee Chair

Angela Anderson

Abstract

The present study examined the relationship between racial identity, self-esteem and perceived racist events among African Americans in a predominantly White Midwest city. A sample of 40 participants who self-identified as African, African American, Black or Mixed completed the Cross Racial Identity Scale, General Ethnic Discrimination, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a demographic information sheet. The results suggest that most of the participants reportedly identified as the Cross Racial Identity sub-groups of Assimilation or Multiculturalist Inclusive, which are the first and final stages respectively. It appears as though those in this predominantly White Midwest city identifying with the dominant group serves as an artificial shield for perceived racist events.

Keywords

African American, racism, racist events, racial identity, ethnicity, self-esteem, cross racial identity scale, general ethnic discrimination scale, Rosenberg self-esteem scale

Subject Categories

Counseling

Copyright

© Laura L. Harris

Recommended Citation

Harris, Laura L., "An Exploration of the Relationship Between Racial Identity, Self-Esteem, and Perceived Racist Events Among African Americans" (2010). MSU Graduate Theses. 2044.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/2044