Ethnic and racial identity of immigrants and effects on mental health. (October 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kiang, Lisa; Stein, Gabriela L.; Juang, Linda P.
• Is Part Of: Current opinion in psychology. Volume 47(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-10
• Subjects: Ethnic-racial identity -- Mental health -- Immigrants -- Context; Psychology -- Periodicals; 150.5
• DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2022.101424
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2352-250X

Abstract

Abstract: Robust research continues to broaden and deepen the field's understanding of immigrants' ethnic-racial identity and mental health. We highlight opportunities to pioneer the literature by questioning "who" is meant by immigrant (clearly defining generational status, going beyond covariate and difference-based approaches, focusing on immigrants from understudied ethnic-racial backgrounds), "what" is meant by identity (ethnic/heritage/native, conjoined with multiple identities such as national, regional, politicized), "where" experiences are taking place (globalization, differences in how immigrants are defined and viewed across contexts), and the "why" or importance of continuing this work (identity as resilience against mental health risks). Targeting under-researched intersections among the "who-what-where-why" can build knowledge and insight for researchers and practitioners who work with immigrant families, and perhaps for immigrants themselves.