Ethnic identity and self-esteem among adolescents

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether self-esteem increases when youth are given the opportunity to learn more about themselves through increased awareness of their ethnic identity. The study investigated the impact of the Anytown program on ethnic identity and self-esteem among adolescents who participated in the Anytown program. Two instruments were used for the study: the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (1992) and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (1965). The first hypothesis, that ethnic identity will increase when youth are given the opportunity to learn more about themselves through increased awareness of their ethnic identity was supported by the results. Statistical significance at the .01 level was determined for the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure; the ethnic identity scale; and the sub-scales of affirmation and belonging, ethnic identity achievement, and other-group orientation. The second hypothesis, that self-esteem would increase as ethnic identity increased, was not supported.