Racial identity tied to happiness, study finds

[Steinlight]

Who would have thought? I thought diversity was ARE STRENGTH and race was just an outdated social construct. Guess people are happier among their own.

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Black people who identify more strongly with their racial identity are generally happier, according to a study led by psychology researchers at Michigan State University.

The study, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, appears in the current issue of Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, a research journal published by the American Psychological Association.

“This is the first empirical study we know of that shows a relationship between racial identity and happiness,” said Stevie C.Y. Yap, doctoral candidate in psychology at MSU and lead researcher on the project.

Previous research has found a relationship between racial identity and favorable outcomes such as self-esteem, Yap said, but none has made the link with happiness.

For the study, the researchers surveyed black adults in Michigan. The results suggest the more the participants identified with being black – or the more being black was an important part of who they are – the more happy they were with life as a whole, Yap said.

The study also explored the reasons behind the connection. Yap said it may be fueled by a sense of belongingness – that is, blacks with a strong sense of racial identity may feel more connected to their racial group, which in turn makes them happy.

This sense of belongingness is especially important for happiness in women, Yap said.

 

[midcan5]

The problem with assuming some 'own' is genetically we are all the same. Evolution may have modified simple traits but the big picture is the same for all.

 

[DigitalDrifter]

Link please.

 

[September]

With the all the blood that flows through my veins, its damn near impossible to find anyone that matches my "race". And I like it that way. People of every race have an incredibly difficult time trying to figure out what races I am ^_^

As for "racial identity", I've never felt the desire to identify with groups based on race. In fact I usually pay no mind to the "communities" associated with my particular interests. I chill with who I Will based on how strong, interesting, exciting, and potentially useful they are as an individual.

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[timslash]

Well, i think racial equality is good idea, but not realistic, it's just an utopia, especially in our country, where every year government "choose" what part of society is more important now(always choosing future voters)