Undergraduate Research in Psychology and Behavioral Science
Latina Identity, Stereotyping Concerns, and Academic Achievement
Author(s): Catalina Morillas , Jennifer Randall Crosby
Abstract:
The present study investigates the relationship between ethnic identity and academic
achievement among Latinas. A sample of Latina students at a liberal arts women’s college
in the Southeast completed a questionnaire focused on their academic feelings and
experiences, their feelings about their ethnic identity, and their concerns about
stereotypes of their group. The relationship between Latina identity and academic
achievement was examined. Results demonstrated a significant negative correlation
between fear of racial stereotyping and college GPA. This relationship was quite strong
in Latina students, who constitute a numerically small minority on the campus. The
implications of this relationship and future research directions are discussed.