Ethnic Pride Boosts Adolescent Happiness

By: Rick Nauert, Ph.D., Senior News Editor

Monday, Oct. 23 (Psych Central) -- Maintenance of self-esteem and a positive attitude is difficult when faced with life’s hardships. Undoubtedly, the task is challenging for adolescents as they undergo biological and mental transformations. New research finds ethnic pride can help teenagers maintain happiness when faced with stress. Adolescents with positive feelings toward their ethnic group say they are happier on a daily basis than those who have a more negative attitude about their ethnic identity, said Lisa Kiang, assistant professor of psychology at Wake Forest and lead author of the study.

The study, involving 415 ninth-graders from Chinese and Mexican backgrounds, shows the protective effects of ethnic identity on daily psychological well-being, Kiang said. Read more...