Online Program

338883
An Exploration of Experiences of Protective Factors against Racial Microaggressions in Youth


Monday, November 2, 2015

Sabrina Sanchez, Department of Health and Society, Beloit College, Beloit, WI
Suzanne M. Cox, Ph.D., Psychology, Health and Society, Beloit College, Beloit, WI
Experiences of racism is a risk factor that can be internalized, resulting in adverse health effects and poor psychological well-being. This study examines experiences of racism, self-esteem, and locus of control in 20 adolescent participants aged 15-17 of the Upward Bound pre-college program at a Midwestern college. Three self-report measures were implemented: Rotter’s Locus of Control Scale, Harter’s Self Perception Profile for Adolescents, and the Perceptions of Racism in Children and Youth survey (PRaCY). Associations among experiences of racism, ethnic identity, self-esteem, and locus of control were examined using a series of t tests, Chi square tests, correlations, and ANOVAs. Adolescents who reported higher level of racism were more likely to report lower self-esteem related to job competence (r=-.497, n=20 p=.026).  Attributing negative experiences to racism was related to lower global self-esteem (p = .008) as well as self-esteem related to social competence (p=.002), scholastic competence (p=.037), and close friendship (p=.017). Additionally Latino students were more likely to report a more internal locus of control. Results are discussed in terms of the need for program development to enhance protective factors in adolescents. 

Learning Areas:

Diversity and culture
Planning of health education strategies, interventions, and programs

Learning Objectives:
Discuss the relationship between experiences and attributions of racism and self-esteem. Explain the need to evaluate the experiences of racism in the future embodiers (youth of color). Formulate ideas for programming to disrupt the negative patterns associated with racism and low self-esteem.

Keyword(s): Adolescents, Risk Factors/Assesment

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have taken part in an intensive research project through the McNair Scholars Program. I have been guided by a faculty mentor, Dr. Suzanne Cox, and have produced sound results. I am interested in health disparity exploration and interventions.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.