Understanding the association between everyday discrimination and self-esteem among young adults: Mediating role of personality traits

Abstract This study aimed to examine the association between perceived everyday discrimination and self-esteem and whether this relationship can be mediated by personality traits among young adults. Data were drawn from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics Transition into Adulthood supplement (n = 1,288). Structural Equation Modeling path analysis was used to examine the association between everyday discrimination, personality traits, and self-esteem. The results showed that elevated everyday discrimination was significantly associated with lower self-esteem (b = −0.23, P < .001), and this association was mediated by neuroticism (effects = −0.157; P < .001) and conscientiousness (effects = −0.334; P < .001). These findings underscore the importance of incorporating personality-focused strategies in interventions designed to mitigate adverse effects of everyday discrimination on young adults. School and community-based programs can play a significant role in reducing negative impacts of discrimination and fostering young adults’ self-esteem.