Volume 1


Introduction

Hello!

We are delighted to present Volume 1 of The Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology (JUEMP).   The professional reviewers for this volume were Mr. Shantay Mines, Ed.S, LMFT (Marriage and Family Therapist, Department of Veterans Affairs), and Dr. Ernestine A.W. Duncan (Chair of the Department of Psychology, Norfolk State University).

The goal of JUEMP is to publish up-to-date, high-quality and original research papers that are first-authoured by undergraduate students. Please know that co-authours may be non-students (e.g., faculty, community members, etc.). We encourage and invite you to submit, either individually or collaboratively, your manuscripts for consideration. Best wishes and thank you in advance for your interest and contribution to The Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology.

Sincerely,

Dr. D. Lisa Cothran, Editor


Volume 1

Harrell, M., & Cothran, D.L. (2015). Meeting the Need: Developing an On-line, Open Access Journal Focused on Ethnic Minority Undergraduate Students. Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology, 1, 1-3. (link to pdf file)

Abstract Before the Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology (JUEMP) was launched, a literature search revealed no undergraduate journals that were devoted to research on ethnic minority’s psychological issues or that reflected a largely nonethnic minority voice and target-of-study. JUEMP addresses these concerns as it aims to provide the following: a free and open access publishing outlet; shorter and less formal formatting options; a social media presence; and greater receptiveness to the research and interests of ethnic minority undergraduate students. JUEMP accepts submissions on a rolling basis and will publish issues semi-annually. More information may be found on the website of the journal: http://www.juempsychology.com.

Barquet, J., & Balam,E.M. (2015).  Clothing Preferences of College Students: What Factors Matter? Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology, 1, 4-6. (link to pdf file)

Abstract A survey research design was used to examine factors impacting undergraduate students’ (n= 71) clothing choices. In this study, factors influencing clothing choices were mood, personal style, their desire to feel comfortable, whether or not they had to make a presentation during the class session, and the weather. Generally, female students had a stronger perception of mood as influencing their outfit choices. A discussion and suggestions for further research are provided.

Perdue, A., Young, S., Balam, E.M., & Vazin, T. (2015). Skin Tone, Ratings of Attractiveness, and Personality Traits. Journal of Undergraduate Ethnic Minority Psychology, 1, 7-9.  (link to pdf file)

Abstract A survey research design was used to investigate whether or not HBCU (N=40) students’ self-reported skin tone (light, medium, and dark) could predict their ratings of their own attractiveness and their ratings of others’ attractiveness (as a function of skin tone). This study also investigated whether target’s skin tone impacted perceivers’ ratings of the targets’ personality traits. While results indicated no relationship between participants’ own self-reported skin tone and attractiveness (p> .05), results did indicate that darker-skinned participants, compared to light and medium-skinned participants, rated others as more attractive. Analyses did not reveal any statistically significant differences for personality ratings.