Cross -cultural perceptual differences among African American, Caucasian, and Greek-Cypriot college students

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the variables of ethnic identity, collective self-esteem, person perception, individualism, collectivism, and prejudice in Caucasian (North and South), African-American, and Greek-Cypriot college students to determine implications in counseling ethnic minorities and Caucasians, as well as understanding the effects of these variables on the development and identity of each individual. Four hundred and four undergraduate students were recruited from four different institutions. Specifically, there were 105 Greek-Cypriot students, 111 African American students, 101 Caucasian students recruited from the southern region of the United States, and 87 Caucasian students recruited from the northern region of the United States. Results of this study indicated that there are significant differences among the four ethnic groups concerning ethnic identity, collective self-esteem, person perception and levels of prejudice. In addition, there is enough evidence to claim that males and females in these four ethnic groups seem to interact significantly different concerning the same variables. Individualism and collectivism were not found to be significant. Conclusions and recommendations are made concerning the importance and application of ethnic identity, collective self-esteem, person perception and prejudice. The importance of the focus on human similarities as compared to differences is also stressed.