Date of Conferral

2023

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Psychology

Advisor

Rhonda Boys

Abstract

There is considerable research on acculturation, identity formation, and stereotype threat experiences of African American children and college students. However, little research has been conducted exploring these factors once college graduates have entered the workforce. Furthermore, the previous research has treated these variables separately or combining no more than two at a time. The purpose of this quantitative, cross-sectional study was to learn more about African American professionals’ acculturation, racial identity, and stereotype threat experiences. Seller’s Model of Racial Identity, Berry’s acculturation theory, and Shapiro’s Multi-threat framework provided the basis of this study. The research question addressed whether the type of stereotype threats experienced by African American professionals are related to their acculturation and racial identity profiles. Surveys were completed by 94 African American professionals who have worked in their field of study for 5 years or more. The survey questions comprised of The Multidimensional Inventory of Black Identity, the Measurement of Acculturation Strategies for People of African Descent and the Measure of Stereotype Threats. Data were analyzed using hierarchical multiple regression. The results showed that although acculturation styles and racial identity profiles were correlated, only the acculturation styles of marginalist behaviors and traditionalist beliefs were significant predictors of stereotype threat type. Findings from this study can aid positive social change through the development of targeted stereotype threat interventions thus supporting the health and wellbeing of African American professionals.

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