Was that Rudeness or Racism? Exploring the Moderating Effect of Attribution to Racism on Experiences of Incivility

Abstract

Incivility is a typical way that subtle discrimination manifests in academic contexts and may be a key contributor to racial and ethnic disparities in student wellbeing and achievement. Research testing ethnic identity as a protective factor for victims of subtle discrimination has yielded mixed results, with one study finding ethnic identity to be associated with attributing mistreatment to prejudice. The present study uses structural equation modeling to investigate ethnic identity as a protective factor students experiencing incivility by exploring the moderating effect of attributions to racism on the relationship between incivility and strain. Understanding the role that attributions may have in buffering the effects of subtle discrimination would give insight into the processes underlying ethnic identity as a protective factor, which may inform the development of positive tools and resources for minoritized students.