Bicultural Self-Efficacy, Bicultural Identity Integration, Critical Consciousness, and Psychological Well-Being of People of Color in the United States

Abstract

This study tested a model in which bicultural self-efficacy is associated with bicultural identity integration (BII), which, in turn, is associated with psychological well-being, both associations being moderated by critical consciousness of racism. Participants were 289 people of color who identify as bicultural residing in the United States (Mean age = 30.73, SD = 7.31). The study utilized a cross-sectional design. A path analysis was conducted using PROCESS MACRO. Bicultural self-efficacy was associated with both the harmony and blendedness components of BII. The association between bicultural self-efficacy and the harmony component of BII was moderated by critical consciousness of racism such that the association between bicultural self-efficacy and harmony was significant for only those with low and medium levels of critical consciousness of racism. Additionally, the blendedness component of BII was associated with psychological well-being more strongly as the level of critical consciousness of racism increased. This study highlights how critical consciousness of racism may hinder a person from achieving a high BII despite having high bicultural self-efficacy. Additionally, once BII is accomplished, critical consciousness of racism could synergistically contribute to increased psychological well-being of people of color. Implications for mental health professionals and policy makers are reviewed.