This Article Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free References Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in ISI Web of Science Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via ISI Web of Science (1) Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Phinney, J. S. Articles by Silva, C. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                   What's this?

Positive intergroup attitudes: The role of ethnic identity

California State University, Los Angeles, USA, jphinne{at}calstatela.edu

Brian Jacoby

California State University, Los Angeles, USA

Charissa Silva

California State University, Los Angeles, USA

Developmental theory suggests that a well-developed ethnic identity serves as a secure position which allows people to be more open and accepting to people from other ethnic groups. To examine this prediction, two studies were carried out. In Study 1, 713 college freshmen from four ethnic groups were surveyed regarding positive attitudes toward other groups and were assigned to ethnic identity statuses on the basis of scores on the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure (Phinney, 1992). The results showed that Asian American and Latino students with an achieved ethnic identity reported significantly more positive attitudes toward other groups than did those in ethnic identity diffusion. Study 2 used qualitative methods with 124 adolescents from five ethnic groups. Ethnic identity and intergroup attitudes were assessed with open-ended questions regarding views of one's own ethnicity and experiences with other ethnic groups. Results showed that ethnic identity achieved adolescents, compared to diffuse adolescents, gave responses indicating greater awareness and understanding of intergroup relations. Overall, the results provide evidence that a secure ethnic identity is associated with positive intergroup attitudes and mature intercultural thinking.

Key Words: ethnic diversity • ethnic identity • ethnic identity statuses • intergroup attitudes • intergroup relations • positive intergroup attitudes

CiteULike    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				A. Rutland, D. Abrams, and S. Levy Introduction: Extending the conversation: Transdisciplinary approaches to social identity and intergroup attitudes in children and adolescents International Journal of Behavioral Development, September 1, 2007; 31(5): 417 - 418. [PDF]