Racism and Mental Health: Examining the Psychological Toll of Anti-Asian Racism during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The current study examines the links between anxiety and depression symptoms and COVID-19-related racism amongst Asian Americans living in western New York, United States. Based on the findings of survey data (n = 333) and in corroboration with minority stress theory, all forms of racism are positively correlated with anxiety and depression levels. There are differences across different forms of racism. Experiences of avoidance and verbal harassment are primarily linked to increased levels of anxiety, while encountering discrimination in business and social settings is more likely to contribute to depression. Indirect discrimination and stigma consciousness tend to heighten anxiety more than depression. Moreover, individuals who are native-born and female tend to report worse mental health outcomes than those who are foreign-born Asians or males. There is a contrasting relationship with income, where higher earnings are linked to reduced depression but can correlate with more significant anxiety. The study findings reveal that COVID-19-related racism may lead to stigma consciousness, race- and racism-based stress, anxiety, and depression. The study contributes to the literature by connecting theories on mental health effects of racism, as well as by distinguishing the links between different forms and intensities of racism and mental well-being, rather than treating all racism as uniform. Considering the detrimental effects on mental health, public policies must confront and address racial prejudice and discrimination that individuals from marginalized communities encounter, particularly during times of crisis.