When history perpetuates narratives and stereotypes : the burden of historical representations on well-being

Previous research outlined that historical representations of different groups underlies stereotypes and prejudice. Individuals with a racial or ethnic minority background are highly likely to encounter discrimination and poorer mental health. We hypothesised that historical representations of Africans by Europeans and the perception of these representations among Africans in Europe relate to poorer psychological well-being in that population. We predicted that this effect is mediated by social identity and stereotype confirmation concern. Consistent with our predictions, historical representations was associated with increased anxiety. Further, historical representations predicted lower collective self-esteem. Stereotype confirmation concern mediated the effect of historical representations on increased anxiety. Social identity also mediated the effect of historical representations on high self-esteem as well as on high collective self-esteem. Our findings highlight the negative effects of people’s awareness of their racial history on their psychological health.