Analyzing the Links between Anti-Asian Hate Incidents and the Mental Health of Asian Americans during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Scoping Review

Background and Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, incidents of anti-Asian hate have stirred widespread concerns regarding the mental health and safety of Asian communities in the United States (U.S). The surge in discrimination and violence against Asian Americans underscores the pressing need to evaluate its detrimental effects on mental well-being. This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine the scope and dimensions of research on post-pandemic anti-Asian hate incidents and their impacts on mental health, with a particular emphasis on Asian Americans in the U.S.

Methods: To conduct a thorough exploration of the literature, the authors undertook a scoping review following Arksey and O'Malley’s Six-Stage Framework. The gathered information was meticulously organized using an extraction template within Covidence, which facilitated a comprehensive and systematic review process. The articles selected through this process comprise the final literature set for the scoping review. A systematic search was conducted across five major electronic databases (Socindex, Academic Search Premier, PsycInfo, Criminal Justice Abstract with Full-Text, and Scopus) spanning from 2020 to 2023. Out of 356 articles initially identified, 30 were carefully selected based on the study’s predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, which encompassed considerations of participants, concept, and context.

Results: Out of the 30 papers analyzed, 24 studies employed quantitative methods, four employed qualitative approaches, and two used mixed methods. The studies reviewed were conducted across diverse disciplines, including Asian American studies, psychology, epidemiology, journalism, communication, nursing, pharmacy, public health, social work, and sociology. The majority of the participants in the articles identified as Chinese, Asian Indian, Korean, Japanese, and Taiwanese Americans. The scoped studies reported instances of anti-Asian hate incidents in two categories: (1) anti-Asian hate behaviors (e.g., violence, slurs, microaggressions, oppression, and discrimination) and (2) anti-Asian hate sentiment (e.g., xenophobia, bias, and stigma), which occurred across various settings (e.g., parks, grocery stores, churches, schools, workplaces, and online platforms). Major mental health issues due to anti-Asian hate incidents include sleep disturbance, anxiety, stress, depression, worry, fear, internalizing difficulties, frustration, feeling invisible, and pressure. Quantitative findings highlighted direct relationships and emphasized indirect connections between anti-Asian hate incidents and mental health. Qualitative findings underscored the dire impact of anti-Asian hate incidents on mental health issues.

Conclusion and Implications: Mental health initiatives and strategies ought to prioritize increasing awareness regarding the detrimental effects of anti-Asian hate incidents on mental well-being. Educational efforts and community programs play a vital role in dispelling stereotypes, mitigating bias, and nurturing empathy, thus fostering a safer and more supportive environment. It is imperative for mental health professionals to receive training in trauma-informed care, tailored to address the specific challenges encountered by individuals affected by anti-Asian hate incidents. Establishing inclusive and diverse platforms for individuals to share their experiences is essential for promoting their mental wellness. Additionally, policymakers should consider the findings when formulating and implementing measures to tackle hate crimes and discrimination. Advocacy for policies that embrace a holistic approach to mental health and advocate for proactive modifications to existing laws and improvements to law enforcement strategies is crucial.