Cross-ethnic Friendships in Multiethnic Educational Settings: Consequences for Psychological, Academic and Motivational Outcomes among Young Adolescents

Bagci, Sabahat C.. 2014. Cross-ethnic Friendships in Multiethnic Educational Settings: Consequences for Psychological, Academic and Motivational Outcomes among Young Adolescents. Doctoral thesis, Goldsmiths, University of London [Thesis]

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Abstract or Description

Cross-ethnic friendships are likely to constitute an important feature of children’s social world in multiethnic educational settings such as London secondary schools, which are now more ethnically diverse than ever. This thesis extends current knowledge on cross-ethnic friendships by examining the prevalence and effects of such friendships on various developmental outcomes among ethnic majority and minority status children attending multiethnic schools. While Chapter 1 presented an overview of the literature on cross-ethnic friendships, following empirical chapters (Chapters 2-6) demonstrated findings from a comprehensive 3-wave school study conducted in London schools. Chapter 2 focused on patterns of cross-ethnic friendships and showed specific relationships between ethnic diversity, ethnic group and cross-ethnic friendships. Chapter 3 indicated that cross-ethnic friendships are related to positive outcomes such as psychological well-being, resilience and academic outcomes and moderate the negative effects of discrimination. Chapter 4 showed that interpersonal processes of self-disclosure and ideal self affirmation mediated the associations between cross-ethnic friendships and well-being measures. Chapter 5 examined anxiety and intimate self-disclosure in both same- and cross-ethnic friendships and indicated that reduced anxiety is a unique process whereby cross-ethnic friendships relate to positive outcomes. Chapter 6 revealed longitudinal associations between cross-ethnic friendships and positive outcomes and showed that these associations are stronger in classrooms with lower classroom racial tension. Finally, Chapter 7 investigated cross-ethnic friendships in the light of motivational outcomes; results of two experimental studies indicated that mental representations of cross-ethnic friendships may have effects on future career and academic choices of ethnic minority young adolescents. Overall, findings show that cross-ethnic friendships are important resources for children, providing benefits for the development of psychological, academic and motivational outcomes among children. The role of cross-ethnic friendships on positive development is discussed in the light of ethnic group differences and implications for school policies in multiethnic settings (Chapter 8).

Item Type:

Thesis (Doctoral)

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.25602/GOLD.00011030

Keywords:

Cross-ethnic, friendships, well-being, discrimination, ethnic, resilience, children, multiethnic, school

Departments, Centres and Research Units:

Psychology

Date:

25 November 2014

Item ID:

11030

Date Deposited:

10 Dec 2014 09:41

Last Modified:

08 Sep 2022 09:05

URI:

https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/11030

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