Effect of Ethnic Identity Conflict on Ambivalence over Emotional Expression among Middle School Students from Multicultural Families: The Mediating Roles of Perfectionistic Self-Presentation and Internalized Shame

This study explored the impact of ethnic identity conflict on ambivalence over emotional expression among middle school students from multicultural families and examined the mediating roles of perfectionistic self-presentation and internalized shame. The study sample consisted of 278 middle school students (grades 1 to 3) from multicultural families across South Korea(excluding Jeju Island). Data were collected through an online survey and analyzed using SPSS 27.0 and Mplus 8.7. The major findings were as follows: First, ethnic identity conflict had a significant direct effect on ambivalence over emotional expression. Second, perfectionistic self-presentation mediated the relationship between ethnic identity conflict and ambivalence over emotional expression. However, internalized shame did not serve as a mediator in this relationship. These findings indicate that middle school students from multicultural families may experience ambivalence over emotional expression as a direct consequence of ethnic identity conflict or as an indirect effect mediated by perfectionistic self-presentation. Interventions aimed at reducing ambivalence over emotional expression in this population should prioritizes strategies to reduce ethnic identity conflict and address its potential influence on perfectionistic self-presentation.