Ethnicity-related sources of stress and their effects on well-being

Early search on ethnicity focused on the stereotyped thinking, prejudiced a ttitudes, and discriminatory actions of Euro-Americans. Minority-group memb ers were viewed largely as passive targets of these negative reactions, wit h low self-esteem studied as the main psychological outcome. By contrast, r ecent research has increasingly made explicit use of stress theory in empha sizing the perspectives and experiences of minority-group members. Several ethnicity-related stressors have been identified, and it has been found tha t individuals cope with these threats in an active, purposeful manner. In t his article, we focus on ethnicity-related stress stemming from discriminat ion, 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 ps ychological and physical well-being.