McWhirter, PaulaYager-Elorriaga, Derik2017-08-022017-08-022017http://hdl.handle.net/11244/51888The current study sought to investigate the relationship between ethnic-related stressors, ethnic identity, and meaning in life. First, the study aimed to determine whether intragroup marginalization and intergroup perceived discrimination predicts ethnic identity in a sample of Mexican-origin adults. Second, the study examined if ethnic-related stressors (i.e., intragroup marginalization and intergroup perceived discrimination) interact with ethnic identity to predict participant meaning in life (i.e., presence and search). A total of 135 Mexican-origin adults completed an online or paper survey that asked about: demographic information, ethnic identity, acculturation, intragroup marginalization, perceived discrimination, meaning in life presence and meaning in life search. Using hierarchical linear regression analyses, the study found that perceived discrimination significantly predicted ethnic identity exploration, and that intragroup marginalization significantly predicted meaning in life presence. Further, the study found that ethnic identity commitment and perceived discrimination interacted to predict meaning in life presence, while ethnic identity exploration and intragroup marginalization interacted to predict meaning in life search. Overall, the results suggest that ethnic identity is a source of life meaning that buffers the negative association between perceived discrimination and meaning in life presence. Given ethnic identity’s positive associated with well-being in Mexican-origin adults; clinicians should consider incorporating ethnic identity interventions with Mexican-origin clients.DiscriminationWell-beingEthnic Identity