Identity mediates inequity and flourishing among racially minoritized and international undergraduate college students

Abstract

Objective Racially minoritized individuals can simultaneously experience both oppression and flourishing (ie, positive mental health). This study examines identity connection as a mediator of this relationship. Participants Undergraduates at a large, private university (n = 771), 59.4% racially minoritized American or international (RMA/I). Methods Measures included perception of value, perception of fair/equitable treatment, identity centrality (ie, significance of racial/ethnic identity), identity exploration, and flourishing. Structural equation models compared RMA/I vs. white American students. Results Among RMA/I students, flourishing was predicted by perception of value and identity centrality; identity centrality was positively predicted by perception of value and negatively predicted by perception of fair/equitable treatment. Among white American students, only perception of value predicted flourishing. Conclusions Identity centrality mediated the relationship between fair/equitable treatment and flourishing among these minoritized undergraduate students, supporting theory that identity may be formed in response to oppression.