The role of racial identity in perceived racial discrimination.

TLDR

The study examined how dimensions of racial identity influence the antecedents and consequences of perceived racial discrimination among African Americans. The study surveyed 267 African American college students on racial identity, perceived discrimination, and psychological distress at two time points. Racial centrality predicted higher subsequent perceived discrimination, which in turn predicted greater event‑specific and global psychological distress, and this link was moderated by racial ideology and public regard beliefs, underscoring the complex role of racial identity.

Abstract

This study examined the role that dimensions of racial identity play regarding the antecedents and consequences of perceived racial discrimination among African Americans. A total of 267 African American college students completed measures of racial identity, perceived racial discrimination, and psychological distress at 2 time points. After controlling for previous perceptions of discrimination, racial centrality was positively associated with subsequent perceived racial discrimination. Additionally, perceived discrimination was positively associated with subsequent event-specific and global psychological distress after accounting for previous perceptions of discrimination and distress. Finally, racial ideology and public regard beliefs moderated the positive relationship between perceived discrimination and subsequent distress. The results illustrate the complex role racial identity plays in the lives of African Americans.