[Previous entry: "What group empowers the liberal movement?"] [Next entry: "Hitler's music collection potentially found"]

08/07/2007: "Ethnic pride creates daily happiness for teens"

Adolescents with positive feelings toward their ethnic group say they are happier on a daily basis than those who have a more negative attitude about their ethnic identity, said Lisa Kiang, assistant professor of psychology at Wake Forest and lead author of the study.

“Adolescents with a high ethnic regard maintained a generally positive and happy attitude in the face of daily stressors and despite their anxious feelings,” Kiang said. “So, having positive feelings about one’s ethnic group appeared to provide an extra boost of positivity in individuals’ daily lives.”

Although the experience of more daily stressors predicted less daily happiness in individuals with a low to moderate ethnic regard, individuals with a high ethnic regard were protected from these negative effects, said Kiang, who teaches courses in developmental psychology.

[ Not surprising: believing in something bigger than yourself helps you be less selfish, and more motivated toward constructive activity, no matter what the adversity. ]

http://www.newswise.com/articles/view/524539/