Ethnic identity and self-esteem among youth

Ethnic identity refers to feeling of oneself as a member of a group. It develops over time through active exploration, learning and commitment as well as adherence to the ethnic group. This study aims to reveal links between ethnic identity and self-esteem among youth from dominant ethnic group (Lithuanian students), and minority group (Polish students). The results show a negative ethnic identity association with self-esteem among ethnic minority students while there was no link revealed in the majority group. The obtained data suggest the idea that the negative self-esteem can lead to strengthening of a sense of community of ethnic minority individualsVytauto Didžiojo universitetasŠvietimo akademij