The Trauma of COVID-19–Fueled Discrimination: Posttraumatic Stress in Asian American Adolescents

Abstract

With the emergence of COVID-19 in China, East and Southeast Asian American (ESEAA) students have reported increased incidents of COVID-19–fueled discrimination in online and offline (in-person) settings. Given the recency of this situation, there is a scarcity of research investigating the impact of COVID-19–related discrimination on ESEAA adolescents’ mental health, especially posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In the current study, therefore, we provide evidence regarding the relations of COVID-19–fueled online and offline discrimination to PTSD symptoms in a sample of ESEAA high school students. We discuss study limitations; future recommendations; and implications for school leaders, school counselors, and other educators.