The goal of the current study is to examine the role of ethnic identity as a potential moderator in the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress in a sample of Latino college students. Previous research has demonstrated a moderating effect of ethnic identity on the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress ; however, this study also considers social support and self-esteem as covariates. The study sample consisted of 126 Latino college students. Participants were instructed to complete questionaires at home and researchers collected the surveys one week later.

The current study intended to expand upon psychological research on the Arab American community, which has faced increased discrimination since 9/11 and recent ISIS-related terrorist attacks. Since perceived discrimination has been associated with greater psychological distress among Arab Americans, it is important to determine whether any protective factors are available for this community. In a sample of Arab Americans, the relationship between perceived discrimination and aspects of psychological well-being (i.e., self-esteem, flourishing, and satisfaction with life) were examined in order to gain a better overall picture of Arab American mental health. Because ethnic identity has been recognized as a protective factor against discrimination for other minority groups, it was examined as such for the current sample. Ethnic identity exploration, resolution, and affirmation were studied in relation to psychological well-being, and ethnic identity was studied as a moderator between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being. A recent typology created by Umana-Taylor, Yazedjian, and Bamaca-Gomez was used to classify participants into ethnic identity clusters based on degrees of exploration, resolution, and affirmation. The sample comprised 156 self-identified Arab Americans living in the United States who were at least 18 years of age. Results from multiple regression analyses demonstrated that perceived discrimination was negatively related to self-esteem and flourishing. Ethnic identity exploration was not significantly related to psychological well-being. However, ethnic identity resolution and affirmation were significantly, positively related to self-esteem, flourishing, and satisfaction with life. Ethnic identity affirmation appeared to be a moderator by mitigating the impact of perceived discrimination on flourishing. Based on Umana-Taylor and colleagues' typology, four ethnic identity clusters emerged using a hierarchal cluster analysis, and participants fell into one of the following: (a) Achieved Positive, (b) Diffuse Positive, (c) Moratorium Positive, and (d) Diffuse Negative. Findings are generally consistent with previous research among various minority groups, as well as Erikson's theory and Tajfel's theory. However, the current study suggests that it may be ethnic identity affirmation that serves as protective factor against discrimination, rather than ethnic identity exploration or resolution. Therefore, future studies are encouraged to study the components of ethnic identity independently of one another.

Little psychological research has explored Latino adolescents' identity and their experiences with ethnic discrimination. Latino college students' ethnic identity may be protective against the negative effects of discrimination. Recent studies have documented both positive and negative effects of having strong national identity among minority ethnic group members. The current study examined how Latino adolescents' ethnic and national identities are related to their perceptions of and affective responses to discrimination. We explored the relationships between ethnic and national identity, perceived discrimination, and the amount of stress and type of affective responses following experiences with discrimination in thirty-five Mexican-American students. Ethnic identity was positively correlated to perceptions of discrimination, as predicted. Additionally, ethnic and national identities were also positively related. This finding indicates that future research on this topic may need to consider ethnic and national identities in tandem. Importantly, bicultural youth scored higher on the measure of perceived discrimination than non-bicultural participants.

Advancing work to effectively study, understand, and serve the fastest growing U.S. ethnic minority population, this volume explicitly emphasizes the racial and ethnic diversity within this heterogeneous cultural group. The focus is on the complex historical roots of contemporary Latino/as, their diversity in skin-color and physiognomy, racial identity, ethnic identity, gender differences, immigration patterns, and acculturation. The work highlights how the complexities inherent in the diverse Latino/a experience, as specified throughout the topics covered in this volume, become critical elements of culturally responsive and racially conscious mental health treatment approaches. By addressing the complexities, within-group differences, and racially heterogeneity characteristic of U.S. Latino/as, this volume makes a significant contribution to the literature related to mental health treatments and interventions.