Predicting Social Self-Concept: The Role of Racial Identity and High School Experiences in College Development

• In Event: 63.041 - College Student Engagement and Experiences With Diversity

Abstract

This study investigates factors that contribute to a social self-concept for college students of color compared to their White peers. Given the history of exclusion in higher education, it is important to understand how students of color establish social selves in these environments. Based on the Multicontextual Model for Diverse Learning Environments (MMDLE), this study specifically examines social outcomes related to the development of a social self-concept. Using ordinary least squares regression, this study analyzed demographic and environmental variables that lead to the development of a social self-concept. Results reveal that race plays a large role in this development, along with academic self-confidence. Implications for improving the social self-concept for students of color is discussed.

Author

• Abigail Kiyoko Bates, University of California, Los Angeles