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. 2022 Nov;14(8):1374-1382.
doi: 10.1037/tra0001131. Epub 2021 Sep 30.

COVID-19 anti-Asian racism and race-based stress: A phenomenological qualitative media analysis

Joyce P Yang  1 , Emily R Nhan  1 , Elizabeth L Tung  2
Affiliations

COVID-19 anti-Asian racism and race-based stress: A phenomenological qualitative media analysis

Joyce P Yang et al. Psychol Trauma. 2022 Nov.

Abstract

Objective: News media has recently been replete with stories of anti-Asian rhetoric and racism related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Empirical literature, however, has yet to systematically analyze and document these experiences and their impact. Our study aimed to examine this phenomenon by analyzing news media coverage published between December 31, 2019-June 30, 2020 on COVID-related anti-Asian incidents.

Method: We utilized a phenomenological approach to conduct qualitative content analysis of 84 media articles reporting on coronavirus related anti-Asian incidents. We also present the emerging psychological framework of race-based stress and trauma to conceptualize the psychological impact of these race-based incidents reported in the media.

Results: Qualitative analysis revealed five primary themes: (a) pathologizing cultural practices; (b) alien in one's own land; (c) invalidation of interethnic differences; (d) ascription of diseased status; and (e) duality of frontline hero and virus carrier. We provide examples for each of these themes.

Conclusion: These themes document stigmatizing narratives and demonstrate the phenomenology of race-based stress and trauma experienced by Asian individuals during the COVID era. We present potential implications for mental health of Asian individuals during and following the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as recommendations for future research. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

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Conflict of interest statement

We have no known conflict of interest to disclose.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Model of Race-Based Stress Themes
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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