Parental Racial Socialization and Adolescents' Self-Esteem: Influences on Academic Achievement (2015)

Undergraduate: Alexis Duckett

Faculty Advisor: Beth Kurtz-Costes
Department: Psychology & Neuroscience

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The purpose of this study is to examine the impact that two types of racial socialization messages (preparation for bias and racial pride) and self-esteem have on the academic achievement of African American adolescents. Parents reported their racial socialization practices with their children and children reports of academic achievement and self-esteem were assessed in 287 African American 10th graders. By gaining a deeper understanding of the relationship between racial socialization and achievement as well as self-esteem and achievement, we are able to better understand which messages produce positive outcomes in African American youth. Contrary to study hypotheses, racial socialization practices did not increase the likelihood of academic achievement or higher self-esteem. theless, the study results supported the positive relationship between self-esteem and academic achievement.