Is Ethnic Identity a Buffer? Exploring the Relations Between Racial Microaggressions and Depressive Symptoms Among Asian-American Individuals. Issue 1 (2nd January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Choi, Shinwoo; Lewis, Jioni A.; Harwood, Stacy; Mendenhall, Ruby; Huntt, Margaret Browne
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnic & cultural diversity in social work. Volume 26:Issue 1/2(2017)
• Page Start: 18
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2017-01-02
• Subjects: Asian-American and Pacific Islanders population -- immigrants and refugees -- mental health or community mental health; Social work with minorities -- Periodicals; Social work with minorities -- United States -- Periodicals; Social Work -- Periodicals; Minority Groups -- Periodicals; 362.84
• DOI: 10.1080/15313204.2016.1263815
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1531-3204

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This study explores the moderating role of ethnic identity in the relations between racial microaggressions and depressive symptoms. Using survey data from 353 Asian-American college students, we found that racial microaggressions significantly predicted depressive symptoms and accounted for 24% of the variance in a hierarchical multiple regression analysis. In addition, ethnic identity moderated the relations between racial microaggressions and depressive symptoms. Thus, ethnic identity buffers Asian-Americans against the negative mental health effects of racial microaggressions. Implications for research and practice in the field of social work are discussed.