A daily diary study of mental health and community involvement outcomes for three Chinese American social identities.
Approximately 100 American youths of Chinese descent participated in a 14-day diary study, completing daily reports on ethnic feelings, American feelings, ethnic community involvement, and psychological well-being. Participants were divided into 4 identity orientations (Chinese, American, bicultural, or other) and then assessed for differential patterns of mental health and community involvement. Chinese-centered identities were characterized by positive well-being and positive self-esteem. However, the American-centered and bicultural groups had well-being and self-esteem levels equal to that of the Chinese-centered group. Although the measures of menial health failed to differentiate the identity categories, both the Chinese- and bicultural-centered groups showed high involvement in Chinese culture, whereas American-centered participants were, significantly less involved.
Yip
Tiffany
T
Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. tyy@umich.edu
Cross
William E
WE
D000069:Acculturation; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001213:Asian / Q000145:classification / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D002681:China / Q000208:ethnology; D003256:Community Participation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003466:Cultural Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012933:Social Identification; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology; D014956:Writing