The Affects of Racial Discrimination on the Self Achievement of African American Youth
Document Type
Poster Presentation
Start Date
20-4-2017 2:00 PM
End Date
20-4-2017 3:00 PM
Keywords
racial discrimination, self-achievement, African American youth
Biography
My name is Shakira Bowman and I am currently attending my fourth year at Marshall University. I was born and raised in Charleston West Virginia in a household of four. I graduated from Riverside High School and from there have set forth to accomplish my dreams of success.
Major
Psychology
Advisor for this project
Dr. Penny Koontz
Abstract
For years, the United States has idolized and stood firm upon the idea of the American Dream. The American dream is known as the idea that every U.S. citizen has an equal opportunity to succeed and gain prosperity through hard work, determination and initiative. However, many groups in our society such as women, racial and ethnic minorities, certain religious groups, and the LGBTQ community have not been treated fairly, which robs them of being able to achieve the “American Dream.” This review of the literature will examine how racial discrimination, prejudice and bias can affect the self-achievement beliefs of African American youth. It is hypothesized that stereotypes, discrimination and family cycles have led to a reduction in self-esteem and achievement in African American youth. Research shows that the experiences of racial discrimination and social inequality are related to higher levels of psychological distress, substance use and self-reported low self-worth. However, in contrast, other studies reveal that individuals who have been victims of racial discrimination or have witnessed it, demonstrate greater resiliency and become successful, with self-reported high self-worth. This review examines the risk factors that have been shown to make a child more vulnerable to bias and discrimination and its negative effects, as well as the protective factors that aid in promoting greater achievement and self-efficacy levels for African American youth.
The Affects of Racial Discrimination on the Self Achievement of African American Youth
For years, the United States has idolized and stood firm upon the idea of the American Dream. The American dream is known as the idea that every U.S. citizen has an equal opportunity to succeed and gain prosperity through hard work, determination and initiative. However, many groups in our society such as women, racial and ethnic minorities, certain religious groups, and the LGBTQ community have not been treated fairly, which robs them of being able to achieve the “American Dream.” This review of the literature will examine how racial discrimination, prejudice and bias can affect the self-achievement beliefs of African American youth. It is hypothesized that stereotypes, discrimination and family cycles have led to a reduction in self-esteem and achievement in African American youth. Research shows that the experiences of racial discrimination and social inequality are related to higher levels of psychological distress, substance use and self-reported low self-worth. However, in contrast, other studies reveal that individuals who have been victims of racial discrimination or have witnessed it, demonstrate greater resiliency and become successful, with self-reported high self-worth. This review examines the risk factors that have been shown to make a child more vulnerable to bias and discrimination and its negative effects, as well as the protective factors that aid in promoting greater achievement and self-efficacy levels for African American youth.
