THE IMPACT OF GENDER ROLE CONFORMITY, ETHNIC IDENTITY, AND RELATIONAL AGGRESSION ON PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICAN UNDERGRADUATES

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationships among gender role conformity, ethnic identity, relational aggression, and psychological distress among African-American undergraduate men and women (N = 161), and, in turn, to increase understanding among professionals regarding these relationships. Results showed significant correlations for male and female African-American students who reported experiences of relational aggression and higher levels of psychological distress. Results also confirmed a statistically significant correlation between the reports of African-American males who identify greater with the ethnic minority group and experiences of lower psychological distress.