| Although current literature positively links ethnic identity with psychological adjustment and well-being, this study addressed the paucity of research exploring these impacts beyond young adulthood, examining the experiences of Chinese American men navigating the age 40 transition to midlife. The sample population consisted of 110 Chinese American men ages 35 to 48, residing mostly in California, who were American-born or had immigrated to the United States by age 8. Recruitment occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area through postings at public and university libraries and intercultural agencies, and nationally via online Asian and Chinese American organizational groups and listservs, as well as through direct email and snowball sampling utilizing social media. Participants completed an online survey consisting of: a demographic questionnaire, the Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure --- Revised (MEIM-R; Phinney & Ong, 2007), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS; Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffm, 1985), the Patient Health Questionnaire Depression Module (PHQ-9; Kroenke, Spitzer, & Williams, 2001), and the Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES; Rosenberg, 1965).;Results indicate that higher ethnic identity (MEIM-R) is positively correlated with higher self-esteem (RSES) and higher well-being, as measured by life satisfaction (SWLS). However, no relationship was found between ethnic identity and psychological adjustment (PHQ-9), with participants reporting minimal depressive symptoms. Ethnic identity also did not have a moderating effect on psychological adjustment.;In targeting a non-clinical population of Chinese American men during a later stage of development, this study examined ethnic identity in an under-researched population segment. Although primarily gathering empirical data, this study also elicited qualitative feedback, providing additional perspective around the impact of culture on each participant's upbringing and family history. Importantly, the results suggested that there may be value in ensuring that Chinese American populations work to develop a solid sense of ethnic identity, through exploration of one's ethnic self. In addition, this study suggests that ethnic identity is malleable with the potential to grow and evolve throughout the lifecycle. In turn, these findings may guide mental health professionals and researchers to further consider issues of ethnic identity when developing and administering treatment to Chinese Americans who underutilize mental health services. |
