THE EFFECT OF ETHNIC THREAT ON ETHNIC SELF-CONCEPT AND OWN-GROUP RATINGS

The effect of ethnic threat on adolescents' ethnic self-concept and ow n-group ratings, and the role of self-esteem and ethnic identity in me diating this effect, were examined. Hispanic high school students in t he United States received either negative (threat) or neutral informat ion about their ethnic group. Ethnic self-concept and own-group rating s were then assessed. The negative information resulted in lower overa ll ethnic group ratings, but not in lower ethnic self-concept. Self-es teem was a better predictor of ethnic ratings than ethnic identity was .