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

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