Ethnicity-related Sources of Stress and their Effects on Well-being
Author(s)
Contrada, Richard J.; Ashmore, Richard D.; Gary, Melvin L.; Coups, Elliot; Egeth, Jill D.; Sewell, Andrea; Ewell, Kevin; Goyal, Tanya M.; Chasse, Valerie
Abstract
Early research on ethnicity focused on the stereotyped thinking, prejudiced attitudes, and discriminatory actions of Euro-Americans. Minority-group members were viewed largely as passive targets of these negative reactions, with low self-esteem studied as the main psychological outcome. By contrast, recent research has increasingly made explicit use of stress theory in emphasizing the perspectives and experiences of minority-group members. Several ethnicity-related stressors have been identified, and it has been found that individuals cope with these threats in an active, purposeful manner. In this article, the authors focus on ethnicity-related stress stemming from discrimination, from stereotypes, and from conformity pressure arising from one’s own ethnic group. The authors discuss theory and review research in which examination of ethnicity-related outcomes has extended beyond self-esteem to include psychological and physical well-being.
