Racism, identity and psychological well-being: a longitudinal perspective on politically embattled relations

Abstract

The relation between racism, identity and well-being has stimulated political debate as well as psychological analysis. Research is reported that explores the relation among young people of white (n=97) and minority (n=174) ethnicity. On first assessment, minority ethnic participants reported: (1) more frequent experiences of racism and discrimination than white participants; and (2) higher levels of ethnic identity and equivalent levels of national identity. Three years later, depressive symptomatology was highest among minority ethnic participants, and (for this group only) positively associated with racism and discrimination reported at first assessment, and negatively associated with national identity.

Keywords:

• cultural diversity
• racism
• social identity
• psychological well-being
• adolescents and young adults
• longitudinal analysis

Acknowledgements

The authors wish to thank Glasgow Anti-Racist Alliance for funding the research, the young people who participated, and the numerous colleagues and associates who contributed to the design, execution and analysis. Above all, the authors wish to honour the memory of Clare Cassidy, who worked tirelessly as principal researcher and was largely responsible for the project's successful completion.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Christine Howe

CHRISTINE HOWE is Professor in the Faculty of Education at the University of Cambridge.

Derek Heim

DEREK HEIM is Professor in the Department of Psychology at Edge Hill University.

Rory O'Connor

RORY O'CONNOR is Professor in the Institute of Health and Wellbeing at the University of Glasgow.