Ethnicity-Related Sources of Stress and Their Effects on Well-Being |
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Authors: | Richard J. Contrada,Richard D. Ashmore,Melvin L. Gary,Elliot Coups,Jill D. Egeth,rea Sewell,Kevin Ewell,Tanya M. Goyal,& Valerie Chasse |
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Affiliation: | Department of Psychology, Rutgers—The State University of New Jersey,;Social Sciences Area, Warren County Community College of New Jersey |
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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, we focus on ethnicity-related stress stemming from discrimination, from stereotypes, and from conformity pressure arising from one's own ethnic group. We discuss theory and review research in which examination of ethnicity-related outcomes has extended beyond self-esteem to include psychological and physical well-being. |
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Keywords: | ethnicity stress coping discrimination stereotypes well-being |
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