Interplay of Perceived Discrimination, Self-Esteem, and Academic Motivation in North East India

Abstract

The study investigates the intricate interplay in-between perceived discrimination, self-esteem and academic motivation among North East Indian youth living outside their native region. Through an empirical investigation with a sample of 100 young adults using the Perceived Discrimination Scale, Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale and Academic Motivation Scale. Descriptive statistics provided insights into the central tendencies and variability of self-esteem, perceived discrimination and academic motivation. Correlational analysis unveiled significant relationships, revealing a correlation that is positive between perceived discrimination and self-esteem, and a negative association between academic motivation and perceived discrimination. Further, the regression analyses confirm that there is a visible impact of perceived discrimination on self-esteem. These findings reveal that there is a complex dynamic that the North East Indian youth residing outside their home region live with, along with that it also shows that perceived discrimination influences self-esteem positively by diminishing academic motivation. The study also showed findings that these youth employ adaptive mechanisms and resilience to navigate prejudice while striving to maintain their academic goals and mental well-being.