Ethnic and Personal Identity Enhance Life Satisfaction of Bulgarian and Romanian Youth

Abstract

This study compares youth in Bulgaria and Romania by examining differences in ethnic and personal identity and their relation to well-being. Participants were 178 Bulgarian and 211 Romanian youth (15-19 years) who provided data on their ethnic identity, personal identity and life satisfaction. Results showed that Bulgarians reported higher personal identity commitment and exploration, whereas no group differences were found for ethnic identity and reconsideration of commitment. A good fit was found for a path model in which strong ethnic identity and achieved personal identity (high commitment and exploration but low reconsideration of commitment) lead to enchased well-being in both groups.