Abstract

Evaluate the relationship between the cultural involvement and the different dimensions of the Lickan-Antay well-being, as well as the possible mediating effect of ethnic identity and the self-esteem in this relationship. An observational design was used. Three hundred ninety-five Lickan-Antay adult men and women residing in Lickan-Antay development areas and in two cities and northern Chile participated. The variables well-being, Lickan-Antay cultural involvement, self-esteem, and ethnic identity were measured with validated ad hoc scales and with good fit indicators. Cultural involvement has a positive direct effect on dimensions of Lickan-Antay well-being, and total and specific indirect effects on all dimensions of Lickan-Antay well-being, through self-esteem and ethnic identity. Self-esteem and ethnic identity explain an important part of the relationship between cultural involvement and the different dimensions of Lickan-Antay well-being. The results were discussed in the light of previous theories on cultural involvement, ethnic identity, and self-esteem and their relationship with well-being in indigenous communities, recognizing the particularities of these last ones in the Andean Latin American context.