Counter-Effects of Ethnic and Racial Identity (ERI) as a Buffer against Perceived Racial Discrimination among Asian Immigrants

Authors

Shinwoo Choi, University of North Florida
Suzie Weng, California State University Long Beach
Hyejoon Park, Pittsburg State University
Jooyoung Hong, University of North Florida

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

7-2-2020

Abstract

This study explores the moderating role of Ethnic and Racial Identity (ERI) in the relations between perceived racial discrimination and Asian immigrants’ psychological distress. Using survey data from 2,059 Asian immigrants in the United States, we found that perceived racial discrimination significantly predicted higher psychological distress. In addition, ethnic and racial identity (ERI) moderated the relations between perceived racial discrimination and psychological distress. Unexpectedly, ethnic and racial identity did not buffer Asian immigrants the negative mental health effects of perceived racial discrimination. The association was moderated, but in a negative way. Implications for practice is discussed.

Publication Title

Smith College Studies in Social Work

Volume

90

Issue

3

First Page

139

Last Page

155

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1080/00377317.2020.1716598

ISSN

00377317

E-ISSN

15530426

Citation Information

Choi, S., Weng, S., Park, H., Hong, J. (2020) Counter-Effects of Ethnic and Racial Identity (ERI) as a Buffer against Perceived Racial Discrimination among Asian Immigrants. Smith College Studies in Social Work, 90(3), 139-155.