Self-esteem as a moderator between perceived discrimination and psychological distress among women.

Abstract

The relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress was investigated within a social comparison theory framework. Predictions of a variant of social comparison theory—relative deprivation theory—as well as predictions from the stress-buffering literature pertaining to the moderating effects of self-esteem were tested using samples primarily composed of European American women. Results regarding the theorized self-protecting roles of personal self-esteem (Study 1) and collective self-esteem (Study 2) indicated mixed support for personal self-esteem and consistent support for collective self-esteem as moderators of the discrimination– distress relationship. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for theory, practice, and research pertaining to the impact of discrimination and social stigma. Historically, in the study of prejudice and discrimination, the majority of the empirical focus has been on understanding the variables associated with prejudiced beliefs and discriminatory behavior on the part of the perpetrator. As a result, over the span of more than half a century, a substantial body of research that articulates the personal characteristics, social structures, and psychological processes associated with the development and maintenance of prejudiced attitudes and discriminatory behavior has been amassed (e.g., Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswik, Levinson, & San