The Thomas and Cross Models of Psychological Nigrescence

Abstract

Adult Black identity change that took place within the context of the recent Black sociopolitical movement is the focus of a literature review. The review summarizes two models that depict the various stages that might be associated with the psychological metamorphosis of Black Americans and examines the empirical studies that have been conducted to test the models. Although the models seem to predict major changes in both the self- concept and reference group orientation of converts, the empirical evidence suggests that only the reference group orientation of converts was subject to permanent modification.