An exploration into racial and ethnic identification at Montclair State University
Presentation Type
Abstract
Faculty Advisor
Milton Fuentes
Access Type
Event
Start Date
25-4-2025 10:30 AM
End Date
25-4-2025 11:29 AM
Description
In addition to the “standard” college student praxis, students of color face barriers to their well-being due to experiences of racism and discrimination. However, there may be a potential safeguard for mental and academic well-being known as racial and ethnic identification (REI). REI is described as a multidimensional, psychological construct, encapsulating the beliefs people have about their ethnic-racial group and how these beliefs evolve with time (Umana-Taylor et al., 2014). Townsend et al. (2020) and others (Moore et al. 2022) found that REI may serve as a protective barrier for minoritized identities who experience psychological distress, yet little is known about the implications of REI within Montclair State University (MSU) students. Mental health issues in university students have been associated with lower academic performance, poorer retention (Eisenberg et al., 2009), suicidal ideation (Casey et al., 2022), and substance abuse (Cranford et al., 2009). Fostering belonging in universities has served students by increasing well-being, satisfaction, and retention (Boyd et al., 2022), but for students of color, finding accepting spaces may be a barrier (Hussain & Jones, 2019). To this end, this poster examined REI in 384 MSU students. Specifically, we will explore factors such as assimilation, self-hatred, ethnocentricity, and multiculturalist inclusive across various cultural groups. Of the surveyed students, we found marginal differences between groups in racial and ethnic salience. These findings suggest that these students feel well-equipped to make fruitful connections to their racial and ethnic identities, potentially protecting them from other obstacles they face while navigating higher education.
An exploration into racial and ethnic identification at Montclair State University
In addition to the “standard” college student praxis, students of color face barriers to their well-being due to experiences of racism and discrimination. However, there may be a potential safeguard for mental and academic well-being known as racial and ethnic identification (REI). REI is described as a multidimensional, psychological construct, encapsulating the beliefs people have about their ethnic-racial group and how these beliefs evolve with time (Umana-Taylor et al., 2014). Townsend et al. (2020) and others (Moore et al. 2022) found that REI may serve as a protective barrier for minoritized identities who experience psychological distress, yet little is known about the implications of REI within Montclair State University (MSU) students. Mental health issues in university students have been associated with lower academic performance, poorer retention (Eisenberg et al., 2009), suicidal ideation (Casey et al., 2022), and substance abuse (Cranford et al., 2009). Fostering belonging in universities has served students by increasing well-being, satisfaction, and retention (Boyd et al., 2022), but for students of color, finding accepting spaces may be a barrier (Hussain & Jones, 2019). To this end, this poster examined REI in 384 MSU students. Specifically, we will explore factors such as assimilation, self-hatred, ethnocentricity, and multiculturalist inclusive across various cultural groups. Of the surveyed students, we found marginal differences between groups in racial and ethnic salience. These findings suggest that these students feel well-equipped to make fruitful connections to their racial and ethnic identities, potentially protecting them from other obstacles they face while navigating higher education.
Comments
Poster presentation at the 2025 Student Research Symposium.