Ethnic Identity and Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Sense of Community

This study examines the associations of two facets of ethnic identity (private and public ethnic regard) and adjustment (self-esteem and depressive symptoms) as well as the extent to which these relationships are mediated by sense of community with others. Data were drawn from a sample of Latino students (N = 171, 70% women) attending a highly selective university. Extending previous work, students who reported more positive private and public regard reported a greater sense of community with others on campus, which in turn predicted higher self-esteem and less depression. These results suggest that one explanation for the ethnic identity-adjustment relationship concerns individuals' connections to others in important social contexts.