Racial Discrimination and Mental Health among Asian Americans during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has had devastating health, economic, and social effects on people throughout the American society. At the same time, racism spread alongside the virus. As China was blamed for COVID-19, Asian Americans became targets of prejudice and discrimination. In this study, we document the racism experienced by Asian Americans during the pandemic and explore its link to mental health. Using the National Couples’ Health and Time Study’s Asian American oversample, we investigate the relationship between discrimination and COVID stress and mental health outcomes during the pandemic (anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction). We consider potential moderating variables (racial/ethnic identity centrality, community support, relationship satisfaction, and social support). We find among Asian American respondents that higher levels of reported discrimination and COVID-19 stress were associated with more depressive symptoms, anxiety, and lower life satisfaction. Higher social support and relationship satisfaction were associated with better well-being, but we found little evidence of moderation. As we move beyond the pandemic, researchers should continue to document the persistence and variability of anti-Asian discrimination, its impact on Asian American mental health and well-being, and potential protections and interventions.