Affects as Mediators of the Negative Effects of Discrimination on Psychological Well-Being in the Migrant Population

Abstract

There is abundant empirical evidence on the negative effects of discrimination on psychological well-being. However, little research has focused on exploring the factors that can mitigate this effect. Within this framework, the present study examined the mediating role of positive and negative affects in the relationship between ethnic and racial discrimination and psychological well-being in the migrant population. About 919 Colombians, first-generation migrants, residing in Chile (Arica, Antofagasta, and Santiago) were evaluated, of which 50.5% were women, and the participants’ average age was 35 years (range: 18–65 years). Krieger’s discrimination questionnaires, Watson’s Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), and Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scale were applied. The measurement models of each variable were estimated, and then the structural equation models were used. The results of the hypothesized multiple mediation model showed that the main mediator in the relationship between ethnic-racial discrimination and psychological well-being was positive affects over negative ones.

Social belongingness and wellbeing: a review of constructs and evidence as introduction to the special Frontiers in Psychology-Social Psychology issue

“…In this monograph García-Cid et al (2020) show that sense of community, conceived off as a positive feeling that the members of a community have in relation to their belonging to a community, that includes emotional connection with the group, moderates and buffer the negative effects of discrimination on psychological wellbeing of migrants. The article by Urzua et al (2020) in this issue also examines the effect of (racial and ethnic) discrimination on the well-being of migrants. It finds that negative affectivity mediates between discrimination and low wellbeing.…”

Positive Social Interaction and Psychological Kinship Mediate the Effect of Identity Fusion on Psychological Well-Being in South-South Migrants

“…There is a growing body of research providing evidence for the importance of psychological well-being on both the physical and mental health of migrants (e.g., Balidemaj et al, 2019 ) and how discrimination worsens this well-being (Giuliani et al, 2018 ; Mera-Lemp et al, 2019 ; Urzúa et al, 2020a ). However, there is little literature that discusses factors that could mitigate the negative effect of discrimination on the welfare of south-south migrants (Urzúa et al, 2020a ; Urzúa et al, 2021a ; Urzúa et al, 2021b ).…”

Social Support as a Mediator of the Relationship between Identity Fusion and Psychological Well-Being in South—South Migrant Populations

“…There is abundant evidence of how factors such as prejudice, discrimination, or stress negatively affect the health, quality of life, and well-being of migrants (Firat & Noels, 2021 ; Giuliani et al, 2018 ; Halim et al, 2017 ; Kader et al, 2020 ; Lincoln et al, 2021 ; Mera-Lemp et al, 2019 ; Otiniano & Gee, 2012 ; Sevillano et al, 2014 ; Siddiqi et al, 2017 ; Tonsing et al, 2016 ; Urzúa et al, 2018 , 2020 ). However, research aimed at identifying protective factors that improve the well-being of the migrant population is rather scarce (Urzúa & Cabieses, 2018 ).…”