About This Project

As COVID-19 has spread across the U.S., Asian and Asian Americans have been experiencing intensified discriminatory remarks and hate crimes. This study aims to examine 1) the longitudinal relation between discrimination connected to COVID-19 and mental health, 2) use a novel measure to examine whether and how racial/ethnic identity (REI) moderates the association between discrimination and mental health among Asian and Asian Americans.

Ask the Scientists

What is the context of this research?

As COVID-19 has spread across the U.S., Asian Americans have been experiencing intensified discriminatory remarks and hate crimes. For example, over a 8-week period, the STOP AAPI HATE reporting center has received nearly 1,900 reports of COVID-19 related discrimination from Asian Americans across the country. Racial discrimination is detrimental to the mental health of racial and ethnic minorities. Evidence also suggests that the impact of racial discrimination on mental health could be long-term. At this critical time, we must understand how Asian Americans are affected by and deal with racial discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic in order to inform later recovery efforts or interventions.

What is the significance of this project?

Previous empirical research has examined various dimensions of REI as moderators; however, the effects of REI on the discrimination-health link are complex. Existing studies do not support a uniformly positive effect, partly due to the variation in the conceptualization and measurement of REI.

In addition to using well-validated quantitative scales in our surveys, this study seeks to identify ways REI may mitigate or exacerbate the psychological consequences of perceived discrimination over time using a narrative identity approach. Not only we are studying the long-term impact of COVID-19 related discrimination, but we also use a mixed-methods design (both surveys and interviews) to collect Asian American's voices and narratives.

What are the goals of the project?

This study aims to 1) examine the longitudinal relation between racial discrimination connected to COVID-19 and mental health, 2) investigate whether REI moderates the association between racial discrimination and mental health, and 3) elucidate specific features or mechanisms of REI that either intensify or moderate the discrimination-health link.

These findings can inform psychologists, families, and policymakers of practices, future interventions, or programs. Findings from this study will not only expand the current knowledge of discrimination and health but also have significant implications both in times of crisis and longer-term.