Racial discrimination and depressive symptoms among Asian Americans: moderating effects of colorblind racial attitude and nativity

Abstract

Objectives: Anti-Asian American racism has negatively impacted Asian Americans' mental health. This study investigated how colorblind racial ideology moderates the relationship between COVID-19 racial discrimination and depressive symptoms among Asian Americans.

Design: Data come from an online survey conducted among 794 Asian Americans. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to test the effects of racial discrimination and colorblind racial attitude on depressive symptoms among Asian Americans, stratified by nativity (451 US-born, 343 foreign-born).

Results: We found that US-born Asian Americans than foreign-born Asian Americans had higher odds of depressive symptoms, whereas the foreign-born displayed higher levels of colorblind racial attitude. The results of multivariable logistic regression tests indicate that colorblind racial attitude moderates the relationship between racial discrimination and depressive symptoms among the US-born, but not among the foreign-born.

Conclusion: Instead of claiming that race no longer matters, more racially conscious socialization and education that promote the awareness of race and racism are warranted to promote mental health of Asian Americans.

Keywords: Asian Americans; COVID-19 racial discrimination; SDG 10: Reduced inequalities; SDG 16: Peace, justice and strong institutions; SDG 3: Good health and well-being; colorblind racial ideology; depressive symptoms.