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Published on: March 1, 2019
Ethnic identity and its relationship to self-esteem, perceived efficacy and prosocial attitudes in early adolescence
E P Smith1, K Walker, L Fields
1Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
Abstract:
This study examined the relationship of ethnic identity to self-esteem, perceived self-efficacy and prosocial attitudes. The sample included 100 male and female early adolescents, ranging from 11 to 13 years old, from different racial/ethnic backgrounds. Structural equations modeling was used to examine the latent structure of the multi-dimensional constructs and their interrelationships. Self-esteem and ethnic identity factors emerged which were related and which evidenced efficacy-mediated effects upon prosocial attitudes. The findings suggested that ethnic identity and self-esteem are distinct but related contributors to young people's perceptions of their ability to achieve academically, to find meaningful careers and to value prosocial means of goal attainment.
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