The consequences of perceived discrimination for psychological well-being: A meta-analytic review.

Abstract

In 2 meta-analyses, we examined the relationship between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being and tested a number of moderators of that relationship. In Meta-Analysis 1 (328 independent effect sizes, N = 144,246), we examined correlational data measuring both perceived discrimination and psychological well-being (e.g., self-esteem, depression, anxiety, psychological distress, life satisfaction). Using a random-effects model, the mean weighted effect size was significantly negative, indicating harm (r = -.23). Effect sizes were larger for disadvantaged groups (r = -.24) compared to advantaged groups (r = -.10), larger for children compared to adults, larger for perceptions of personal discrimination compared to group discrimination, and weaker for racism and sexism compared to other stigmas. The negative relationship was significant across different operationalizations of well-being but was somewhat weaker for positive outcomes (e.g., self-esteem, positive affect) than for negative outcomes (e.g., depression, anxiety, negative affect). Importantly, the effect size was significantly negative even in longitudinal studies that controlled for prior levels of well-being (r = -.15). In Meta-Analysis 2 (54 independent effect sizes, N = 2,640), we examined experimental data from studies manipulating perceptions of discrimination and measuring well-being. We found that the effect of discrimination on well-being was significantly negative for studies that manipulated general perceptions of discrimination (d = -.25), but effects did not differ from 0 when attributions to discrimination for a specific negative event were compared to personal attributions (d = .06). Overall, results support the idea that the pervasiveness of perceived discrimination is fundamental to its harmful effects on psychological well-being.

Resilience in LGB Youths: A Systematic Review of Protection Mechanisms

“…Concerning the specific protection mechanisms, the literature suggests that positive affect towards the minority group and identification with that group does not constantly cushion the effects of discrimination in mental and physical health and, in some situations, even exacerbates the effects of the discrimination (Schmitt, Branscombe, Postmes, & Garcia, 2014). Similar results were observed in this review.…”

“…Other studies also evidenced the more marked influence of the negative interactions on mental health in comparison with the positive interactions (Freitas, D'Augelli, Coimbra, & Fontaine, 2016). In this particular situation, when manifested by acquaintances, the negative reactions possibly strengthen either the existing discrimination or its attribution to internal, stable and uncontrollable factors, which can contribute to the lack of hope on different reactions in the future (Schacter, White, Chang, & Juvonen, 2015;Schmitt et al, 2014).…”

Weight, gender, and depressive symptoms in South Korea

“…First, at the population level depressive symptoms correlate with many everyday struggles and insecurities, such as poverty and chronic ill health (e.g., Moussavi, Chatterji, Verdes, Tandon, Patel, & Ustun, 2007). But, importantly to the analysis of stigma, depressive symptoms are highly sensitive to an array of social exclusions, including subjective and objective experiences of discrimination and social rejection and isolation (for example of recent review, see Schmitt, Branscombe, Postmes, & Garcia, 2014). Second, a substantial epidemiological and public health literature has identified a bidirectional relationship between obesity and depression that is especially evident among women.…”

The Combined Effect of Ethnic Identity Strength and Profiles on the Mental Health of Acadian University Students

“…Researchers have proposed that minority group members who find themselves occupying a numerical majority (or high status), like the Acadian students in northern New Brunswick, are often sheltered from experiences of marginalization (Umaña- Taylor, 2004), and therefore more secure in their ethnic identities (Sachdev & Bourhis, 1991), meaning that high status members are often more comfortable, satisfied and happy with their identity. For low status members, the rejection-identification model posits that the negative effects on well-being from perceived discrimination are alleviated by ingroup identification (Branscombe et al, 1999;Garstka, Schmitt, Branscombe, & Hummert, 2004;Giamo, Schmitt, & Outten, 2012;Schmitt et al, 2014). The purpose of Study 2 is therefore to look at the combined effect of ethnic identity profiles and ethnic identity strength on mental health of Acadian university students and to investigate if the relationship varies according to the numerical status of southern and northern Acadians.…”

“…However, in southern New Brunswick, like in the city of Moncton, Acadians are a minority, representing 34% of the population (Statistics Canada, 2011). Thus, Acadians from southern, rather than northern, New Brunswick are more likely to face pressures of assimilation from the majority Anglophone community (Boudreau & Dubois, 1991, 1992, 2001, 2005Corbeil, Grenier, & Lafrenière, 2006;Landry & Allard, 1994) and may be more inclined to reap the mental health benefits of identifying with their minority ingroup (Branscombe, Schmitt, & Harvey, 1999;Cronin, Levin, Branscombe, van Laar, & Tropp, 2012;Schmitt, Branscombe, Postmes & Garcia, 2014). According to statistics conducted among Francophone emerging adults from New Brunswick (20 to 24 years of age), in the past year, 5.9% have reported a major depressive episode, and 2.6% have experienced a generalized anxiety disorder (Statistics Canada, 2013).…”