Positive Academic Achievements in Yi Youths of Rural China: Effects of Ethnic Identity and Social Support via Motivation

Abstract

The ethnic minority of Yi youths in the mountainous area of rural China are at risk of negative adulthood outcomes, because they suffer from extreme poverty due to the region’s geographical remoteness and arid climate. Since 2006, a non-profit organization has been sponsoring Yi youths to attend local schools. Promoting the academic outcomes of Yi youths can prevent them from experiencing negative developments. Based on Phinney’s Model of Ethnic Identity Development and Expectancy-Value Theory on Academic Achievements, we examined the effects of ethnic identity, social support (i.e., peer and teacher support) and motivation on Yi youths’ academic achievement. The capacity of motivation as a mediating variable was also tested. Methods.Participants were Yi youths (n=2016;age7-16;Male=60%) attending local schools in rural China. Academic achievement was represented by the indicators of mathematics and Chinese subject scores. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure the predictors of ethnic identity (Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure;α= 0.92;Phinney,1992), peer support (Classmate Support Scale;α= 0.78;Torsheim,2000), teacher support (Teacher Support Scale;α= 0.76;Torsheim,2000) and motivation (Academic Motivation Scale;α= 0.93;Vallerand, 1989). Structural equation modelling was employed using Mplus. Results. The model showed good fit statistics (X²= 26.32, p<.05; CFI/TLI=0.99;0.97). Motivation has a direct effect on academic achievement (B=0.27). Ethnic identity has an indirect effect on academic achievement fully mediated by motivation (B=0.12). Teacher support has both a direct (B=0.08) and an indirect effect (B=0.08) on academic achievement via motivation. Peer support has a direct effect (B=0.11) on academic achievement, but not via motivation. Discussion. Results identify the underlying mechanism from ethnic identity and social support to academic achievements via motivation. Relevant programs can be implemented to enhance the outcomes of Yi youths.