Abstract:

Numerous empirical researches in youth revealed that youth who are high on ethnic identity tend to have higher self-esteem. Nevertheless this link may differ depending on various factors. Researches uncovered different aspects of the link between ethnic identity and self-esteem. Self-esteem is required for a more detailed study, revealing of different domains on what self-esteem is contingent. For example, for some people, self-esteem may depend on being physically attractive, for others, self-esteem may depend on being virtuous or academically competent. The study aims to reveal peculiarities of links between ethnic identity and contingent self-esteem among Lithuanian pre-service teachers. The participants were students of the Lithuanian University of Educational Sciences. The research data were drawn from a sample of 130 respondents with the mean age of 22.79 years. The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure-Revised (MEIM-R) developed by Phinney and Ong was applied to measure ethnic identity. Contingencies of Self-Worth Scale (CSW) developed by Crocker et al. for assessing contingencies on which people base their self-esteem was used. The authors identified seven domains which contribute to individual’s global self-esteem: approval from others, appearance, competition, academic competence, family support, virtue, and God’s love. The results show a positive ethnic identity association with contingencies of self-worth among students. It was found that ethnic identity exploration had positive links with competition, academic competence, virtue and God’s love. Ethnic identity commitment was positively associated with approval from others, competition, academic competence, virtue and God’s love. The ethnic identity (total score) was positively associated with approval from others, competition, academic competence, virtue and God’s love. There was no links between ethnic identity and physical appearance as well as family support. The results of the analyses add to a better understanding of ethnic identity in Lithuanian pre-service teachers.

Keywords:

Ethnic identity, self-esteem, contingencies of self-worth.