Understanding the effects of parental extrinsic versus intrinsic goal promotion and parental educational level on adolescent ethnic prejudice

Based on self-determination theory, the role of parental extrinsic versus intrinsic (E / I) goal promotion for adolescent ethnic prejudice and the mechanisms underlying this effect were examined in a sample of middle adolescents and their parents. Primary analyses using structural equation modeling indicated that paternal and maternal E / I goal promotion had a significant positive effect on ethnic prejudice that could be accounted for by adolescent right-wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation (SDO). Ancillary analyses showed that parental goal promotion also accounted for the negative association between parental educational level and adolescent ethnic prejudice. It is discussed how E / I goal promotion constitutes an important aspect of the socialization process.