Self-esteem, ethnic identity, and personal growth initiative in the black community

Research suggests that high self-esteem is positively associated with healthy psychological functioning and negatively associated with maladaptive functioning. Given self-esteem’s relationship with mental health, it is becoming increasingly important for psychologists to understand the factors that influence self-esteem, especially for members of disadvantaged groups, such as African Americans. This study sought to gain a better understanding of the ways in which ethnic identity and Personal Growth Initiative contribute to the resiliency of African American self-esteem.

Participants were self-identified African American young adults (N = 331) from the community and the local university population. Consistent with the first hypothesis (H1), the constructs under study were positively related to each other. For the second (H2) and third (H3) hypotheses, two moderated mediation analyses were conducted. For each model, PGI served as the independent variable and moderator, stages of ethnic identity development (i.e., exploration, H2, and commitment, H3) served as mediators, and self-esteem served as the dependent variable. For individuals with very high levels of PGI and for individuals with moderately low levels of PGI, ethnic identity exploration mediated the relationship between PGI and Black self-esteem (H2). Contrary to the third hypothesis (H3), evidence for moderated mediation using ethnic identity commitment as the mediator was not found. However, a post hoc analysis did find simple, partial mediation using ethnic identity commitment. Implications of the study’s findings are discussed. Directions for future research are also suggested.