SOCIAL STIGMA AND THE POTENTIAL COSTS OF ASSUMPTIVE HELP

This study examined stigmatized individuals' reaction; to receiving as sumptive help from a nonstigmatized other Assumptive help was defined as unsolicited help provided without any evidence indicating personal need on the part of the recipient. Is was hypothesized that Black stud ents who received assumptive help from a White peer would have lower s elf-esteem and more depressed affect than Black students who did not r eceive assumptive help. Furthermore, it was predicted that receiving a ssumptive help from a White peer would have more negative effects (i.e ., result in lower self-esteem and more depressed affect) among Black recipients than White recipients. No differences in self-esteem and af fect were expected between Blacks and Whites who did not receive help. Results based on a measure of competence-based self-esteem were consi stent with the hypotheses.