Exploring the Relationship between Ethnic Identity, Belief in a Just World and Self-esteem among Ethnic Minority Students in Guangxi, China

Enjie Wang and Yongqiang Zheng

Abstract

The purpose of this study is twofold: to test the relationship between ethnic identity, belief in a just world and selfesteem of the minority youth; and to determine if belief in a just world can mediate the relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem. A total of 871 adolescent and young adult students were recruited. The findings support the strong positive association between ethnic identity, belief in a just world and self-esteem. The data also suggest that belief in a just world mediate the relationship between ethnic identity and self-esteem. The current study confirms the positive trend of psychological well-being of the minority youth. The findings highlight the significant role of belief in a just world in the overall psychological well-being of minority youths. It points out the need for policy changes to integrate more educational programs focusing on increasing students’ belief in a just world in the current education system.