A Test of Psychological Explanations for the Self-Concept Paradox Among Black and Latinx Adolescents

• In Event: 34.031 - New Directions in the Research on Self-Concept and Perceived Competence

Abstract

Previous studies often document that Blacks and Latinxs adolescents demonstrate considerable positive self-concept despite their low academic performance. We tested two common pyshcological explanations for this paradoxical phenomenon: selective devaluation hypothesis (lower value in schoolwork protects their self-concept) and external attribution hypothesis (external attiribution of poor achievement protects their self-concept). Utilizaing nationally representative longitudinal data of 12,919 10th graders, we found that Black and Latinx youths place greater value in schoolwork than White adolescents, contradicting the selective devaluation hypothesis. Furthermore, contrary to the external attribution hypothesis, self-concept was more closely related to previous achievement among Black and Latino adolescents as compared to White adolescents. Our results suggest that researchers may need to examine an alternative hypothesis to explain the phenomenon.

Authors

• Eunjin Seo, Texas State University

• Yishan Shen, Texas State University

• Aprile Benner, The University of Texas at Austin