When history perpetuates stereotypes and narratives: The burden of historical representations on the well-being of Africans living in Europe
Previous research outlined that historical representations of different groups underlie stereotypes and prejudice. Considering the gap in the literature on historical representations and their potential impact on well-being, this study tested hypotheses concerning historical representations of Africans (N = 225) in Europe in relation to well-being outcomes in that population. Furthermore, the study tested the mediational role of stereotype confirmation concerns and social identification in the relationship between historical representations and well-being. Consistent with the predictions, historical representations were associated with poorer well-being. Particularly, historical representations were related to increased anxiety and low self-esteem through their relationship with stereotype confirmation concerns. Social identity mitigated the harmful effects of historical representations on self-esteem. However social identity did not mediate the relationship between historical representations and anxiety. The findings highlight the effects of historical representations on well-being.