Is Ethnic Identity a Buffer? Exploring the Relations Between Racial Microaggressions and Depressive Symptoms Among Asian-American Individuals

Ethnic Identity and Coping Strategies as Moderators of COVID-19 Racial Discrimination Experiences Among Chinese Americans

“…This finding is consistent with existing studies with AAPI which indicated experiences of racial discrimination indirectly influenced life satisfaction by increasing levels of depression (Gee et al, 2007). The results from our study expound upon previous analyses which indicated that experiences of racial discrimination were positively associated with increased levels of depression and lower levels of overall well-being in Asian Americans (Choi et al, 2016;Lee & Ahn, 2011;Tummala-Narra et al, 2018). Our results add to the literature by suggesting a pathway in which COVID-19 related racial discrimination indirectly affects life satisfaction via depression.…”

“…When facing racial discrimination, higher levels of depressive symptomology among AAPI were observed compared to other racial or ethnic groups, which may lead to decreased overall wellbeing and life satisfaction (Lee & Ahn, 2011). Similarly, the relationship between racial discrimination, depression, and life satisfaction was much stronger for AAPI than for other racial or ethnic minority groups (Choi et al, 2016;Tummala-Narra et al, 2018). To the best of the researchers' knowledge, no studies have yet been conducted that have empirically explored the mechanism through which COVID-19 related racial discrimination may negatively impact the life satisfaction of CCA via increased depression.…”

“…Endorsing a strong ethnic identity may be an important psychological resource that helps ethnic minorities (e.g., CCA) respond with resilience when racial discrimination occurs (Phinney, 2003). For example, existing theoretical research posits CCA individuals with strong ethnic identities tend to feel more connected to their ethnic communities, maintain a sense of positive wellbeing (e.g., low level of depression and greater life satisfaction) and self-esteem, and demonstrate resilience to life changes and stressors (Chae & Foley, 2010;Choi et al, 2016;Iwamoto & Liu, 2010). Social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) suggests ethnic identity may serve as a protective factor that moderates the negative effects of race-related stress and discrimination on psychological wellbeing.…”

Intersectional insights from an MDMA-assisted psychotherapy training trial: An open letter to racial/ethnic and sexual/gender minorities

“…"Integrated," because of my own acceptance and affirmation of my intersectional identities, and "integrational," because I look forward to being open to new experiences as opportunities to further expand, cultivate, and assimilate into my unique personal identity. My experience with MDMA has strengthened my cultural identity and resilience in the face of subsequent racial stressors, which is consistent with the protective role of ethnic identity against the mental health effects of racial microaggressions in individuals of Asian descent (Choi, Lewis, Harwood, Mendenhall, & Huntt, 2017;Rivas-Drake, Hughes, & Way, 2008). My MDMA experience has also facilitated greater self-compassion and psychological flexibility, which have been especially helpful in terms of adapting to, easing, and coexisting with the chronic dissonance I felt between my sexual and ethnic identities while attempting to navigate my ethnic community and LGBTQIA+ spaces.…”

Asian Americans’ Help-Seeking Attitudes: The Role of Cultural Values, Ethnic Identity, and Neighborhood Ethnic Density

“…Ethnic identity in Asian Americans has been studied in relation to a host of psychological variables, such as discrimination (Cheref, Talavera, & Walker, 2018;Kiang, Supple & Stein, 2018), violence (Irwin et al, 2017), depressive symptoms (Ai, Nicado, Appel, & Lee, 2015;Choi, Lewis, Harwood, Mendenhall, & Huntt, 2017), social competence (Tran & Lee, 2010), and emotional well-being (Yasuda & Duan, 2002). However, only one study, conducted by Tummala-Narra, Li, and Chang (2018), has examined the relationship between ethnic identity and help-seeking attitudes.…”