The Effect of Ethnic Threat on Ethnic Self-Concept and Own-Group Ratings

Abstract

The effect of ethnic threat on adolescents' ethnic self-concept and own-group ratings, and the role of self-esteem and ethnic identity in mediating this effect were examined. Hispanic high school students in the United States received either negative (threat) or neutral information about their ethnic group. Ethnic self-concept and own-group ratings were then assessed. The negative information resulted in lower overall ethnic group ratings, but not in lower ethnic self-concept. Self-esteem was a better predictor of ethnic ratings than ethnic identity was.