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Black Studies and Political Ideology as Predictors of Self-Esteem: A Call for a New Direction

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jlivingston{at}nccu.edu.

	Abstract

This article assesses the relationship between enrollment in Black studies courses, political ideology, and self-esteem in Black college students. Although a number of studies have focused on racial identity and self-esteem, few have investigated how a race-first political consciousness among African Americans develops and whether it is related to healthier psychological outcomes. To elucidate the relationship between Black nationalism, Black studies courses, and self-esteem, 231 students from an historically Black college in the Southeast are sampled. Preliminary analysis indicates enrollment in Black studies courses is related to nationalism and self-esteem. However, subsequent regression analysis controlling for classification indicates enrollment in Black studies courses is not a significant predictor of self-esteem or Black nationalism. Black nationalism predicted self-esteem, and older African American students reported higher nationalism scores. The findings suggest early exposure to Black studies courses among students may prove beneficial and predictive of psychological well-being in African American college students.

First published on July 16, 2008
Journal of Black Studies 2008, doi:10.1177/0021934708319394


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