Ethnic Identity, Self-Esteem, Self-Efficacy, and Satisfaction with Life as Determinants of Sex Differences in Achievement among Black Adolescents

Adolescence among Black high school youth is a challenging period of social, emotional and psychological development; particularly as it relates to factors of ethnic identity, academic skill, self-worth and achievement outcomes. Of interest to researchers are measurable sex differences in achievement among this demographic group. Current literature suggests that psychological traits such as ethnic identity, self-esteem, self-efficacy, and life satisfaction, are reliable predictors of achievement among this demographic. Consequently, the current study evaluated whether these particular psychological factors predicted sex differences in achievement. One hundred and forty high school students from Tucson and Phoenix school districts volunteered for the study. Responses were obtained from a demographic questionnaire, the Multi-Ethnic Identity Measure, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, Self-Efficacy Questionnaire for Children, Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Perceived Caring Measure. These widely used measures are found to have adequate reliability and validity with Black adolescents. Multiple regression, correlation, MANOVA, and ANOVA analyzed criterion measures of Fall 2010 standardized achievement scores and grade point averages provided by participating school districts. Consistent with current research literature, findings support current data suggesting relationships between trait variables, achievement scores, and GPA. Further, the findings in this study provide support of current literature regarding the variability of psychological traits and sex among the participants in this study as predictors of achievement. Limitations, implications, and future directions for continued study of this topic are also discussed