Mediating and moderating effects of perceived social support on the relationship between discrimination and well-being: A study of South Koreans living in Japan

Abstract

We examined the relationship between discrimination and mental wellbeing among South Korean residents (N = 181) in Japan. The roles of need for belonging (NTB) as a mediator and identification with one’s group as a moderator of this relationship were examined. Perceived social support was also examined as both a potential moderator and mediator. We also included a measure of perceived in-group inclusion in the host society, the Circle of Ingroup Inclusion (CII), to examine its influence on the relationship between discrimination and wellbeing. Three types of coping styles-active constructive coping, passive constructive coping, and destructive coping-were controlled for in the analysis. Results showed that participants’ educational level, socioeconomic status, and different coping styles predicted wellbeing; however, discrimination was the strongest (negative) predictor of wellbeing. Social support was both a moderator and mediator of the relationship between discrimination and wellbeing, suggesting that perceived social support not only buffers the negative effect of discrimination on wellbeing, but also partially explains the negative association between discrimination and wellbeing. NTB was not a significant mediator. Identification with one’s ethnic group and perceived membership in one’s group also did not affect the relationship. The results suggest that it is important to consider social support based on interpersonal relationships among members of minority groups in Japanese society. The psychological factors involved in acculturation processes may be different in different ethnic groups. This study calls for greater consideration of group-specific characteristics in understanding acculturation processes and interactions between groups in society.

Internalized stigma: Social support, coping, psychological distress, and mental well-being among older adults in Ghana

“…Generally, the current findings resonate with the literature where social support serves as a moderator in the relationship between internalized stigma and psychological distress and psychological well-being ( Ajrouch et al, 2010 ; Cobo-Rendón et al, 2020 ; Park & Joshanloo, 2022 ). However, having internalized stigma has been blamed for older persons hesitating to seek support and thus accounting for the nonsignificant relationship between internalized stigma and well-being at higher levels of social support ( Al-Dwaikat et al, 2022 ; Goreis et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Extant literature has found social support as a potential moderator in the relationship between internalized stigma and psychological distress and psychological well-being ( Ajrouch et al, 2010 ; Cobo-Rendón et al, 2020 ; Park & Joshanloo, 2022 ). Low levels of social support have also been linked to higher levels of societal and internalized stigma, and lower levels of recovery and quality of life among adults with mental illness ( Chronister et al, 2013 ).…”