The role of cultural identity clarity for self-concept clarity, self-esteem and subjective well-being

Knowing oneself and experiencing oneself as clearly defined has been linked to positive self-esteem and psychological well-being (e.g., Campbell et al., 1996); however, this association has only been tested at the level of personal identity. We propose that a clear cultural identity provides the individual with a clear prototype with which to engage the processes necessary to construct a clear personal identity, and by extension, to achieve self-esteem and well-being. For samples of undergraduate students, Anglophone Quebecers, Francophone Québécois, Chinese North Americans, and Aboriginal Canadians, cultural identity clarity was positively related to self-concept clarity, self-esteem and to markers of subjective well-being. The relationship between cultural identity clarity and both self-esteem and well-being was consistently mediated by self-concept clarity. Interventions designed to clarify cultural identity might have psychological benefits for individuals facing cultural identity challenges.