Self-Esteem as a Moderator Between Perceived Discrimination and Psychological Distress Among Women

The relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological distress was investigated within a social comparison theory framework. Predictions of a variant of social comparison theory—relative deprivation theory—as well as predictions from the stress-buffering literature pertaining to the moderating effects of self-esteem were tested using samples primarily composed of European American women. Results regarding the theorized self-protecting roles of personal self-esteem (Study 1) and collective self-esteem (Study 2) indicated mixed support for personal self-esteem and consistent support for collective self-esteem as moderators of the discrimination–distress relationship. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for theory, practice, and research pertaining to the impact of discrimination and social stigma.