Self-Control Depletion in Predominantly White Institutions: Intra and Intergroup Variability in the Relations Among Stigma Sensitivity, Mental Health, and Academic Motivation

Abstract

The current study seeks to examine self-control as a mechanism for understanding academic motivation and mental health of Asian Americans and African Americans in a predominantly White institution. Using cross-sectional data, self-control was hypothesized to mediate the negative relationship of stigma consciousness with mental health and academic motivation across both groups. Self-report measures from 127 Asian American and African American males and females from a predominantly White, small, liberal arts college were obtained. Mediational analyses support the hypothesized models. Furthermore, race moderated the relationship between stigma consciousness and mental health, revealing a stronger effect for African Americans. Race also moderated the mediating relationship between self-control and mental health, again showing a stronger relation for African Americans than Asian Americans. The study highlights self-control depletion as a mechanism that translates race-based experiences to individual outcomes. Furthermore, implications for intervention in counseling and academic settings, as well as understanding minority experiences in dominant contexts are discussed.