The relations between well being, attitudinal and behavioral factors across three Black identity orientations: Assimilated, Afrocentric, and multicultural

Conceptually based in Cross' Nigrescence theory, this research measures three types of identity belief systems found in Black communities: Assimilation, Afrocentric, and Multicultural. The project represents one of the first empirical assessments of within and between-group links between identity, attitude, behavior and well-being. A series of behavioral and attitudinal correlates are assessed with the hypothesis that there are significant within- and between-group differences. A subordinate goal was testing the traditional assumption of a positive correlation between racial identity and self-esteem. This study is located at the intersection of social identity theory, reference group theory, and Black identity theory. The research involved administration of several attitudinal and behavioral measures to 74 Black students at two New York City area colleges and 68 parishioners of Black churches in New York City and New Jersey. A series of correlational analyses were conducted to test a priori hypotheses and exploratory path analyses were conducted post hoc. In addition, a series of t-tests were conducted to examine the degree to which the church group and the student group exhibit relevant differences. With some notable exceptions, the major hypotheses were supported and the study implications are discussed.