Ethnic Identity Achievement, Self-Esteem, and Discrimination among Surinamese Adolescents in the Netherlands

Abstract

This study examines ethnic identity achievement among Surinamese adolescents in the Netherlands as it relates to self-esteem, perceived discrimination, and Dutch national identification. Using a sample of 94 ethnic Surinamese and 281 ethnic Dutch students between the ages of 14 and 17, participants completed a survey questionnaire. Ethnic identity achievement and self-esteem were positively correlated for the Surinamese but not for the Dutch. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that ethnic identity evaluation mediated the relationship between ethnic identity achievement and self-esteem. In addition, discrimination was positively correlated with ethnic identity achievement for Surinamese males but not Surinamese females. Discrimination was also correlated with Dutch national identification. For the Surinamese, more discrimination was negatively correlated with national identification, whereas for the Dutch, more discrimination was positively correlated with national identification. Furthermore, for Surinamese males, the negative relationship between discrimination and national identification was stronger with increased ethnic identity achievement. The pattern of results is quite similar to studies in the United States, making a contribution to our understanding of the psychological processes involved in ethnic and racial identity.