Session: From Pandemic to Present: Addressing Discrimination and Mental Health in Asian American Communities (Society for Social Work and Research 30th Annual Conference Anniversary)

The surge in discrimination and hate incidents against Asian Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic has raised concerns about their well-being, coinciding with a decline in their mental health and highlighting the urgent need for deeper understanding and intervention. Beyond the pandemic, these issues persist, with gaps remaining in understanding the experiences of specific Asian American populations.

The four papers in this symposium address these gaps by exploring discriminatory experiences, factors associated with them, their impact on health, and mitigation strategies. While two papers focus on Korean Americans in the Deep South, the other two expand the discussion to include broader Asian American communities, emphasizing the need for a nuanced approach to addressing discrimination and its effects.

The first two papers use cross-sectional data from a Qualtrics survey of 355 Korean Americans in the Deep South, collected between January and April 2023. The first paper examines their experiences of discrimination and related factors. Results show that 75% of participants faced discrimination during the pandemic, with 22% experiencing more severe forms like threats or harassment. Social support and health status were protective, while advanced English proficiency and a history of adverse childhood experiences increased the likelihood of discrimination. A significant interaction between English proficiency and ACEs showed that the effect of English proficiency on discrimination varied with ACEs.

The second paper investigates Covid-19-specific discrimination factors and mitigation strategies suggested by participants. Among 140 affected individuals, common incidents include receiving inferior service and verbal assaults, notably in public spaces. Analysis indicates a negative association between older age and discrimination, while higher adverse childhood experiences show a positive association. Participants' suggestions for reducing discrimination span individual, relational, community, and societal levels, utilizing the socioecological model.

The third paper enhances the understanding of mental health service utilization among Asian Americans by addressing gaps, including U.S. citizenship status, educational attainment, and telehealth use. Using data from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey and Andersen's Behavioral Model, the study finds that higher educational attainment, mental health diagnoses (depression and anxiety), and telehealth use are linked to increased service utilization, while married individuals were less likely to seek help. It highlights the need to address barriers like access and socio-cultural factors (e.g., marital status) and suggests future research focus on cultural attitudes and telehealth's long-term effects.

The fourth paper presents a scoping review on anti-Asian hate incidents and their impact on Asian Americans' mental health in the U.S. between 2021 and 2023. The review of 30 papers shows that 24 studies employ quantitative methods, four use qualitative approaches, and two use mixed methods. Incidents are categorized into overt behaviors and underlying sentiments, occurring in various settings such as public spaces and online platforms. Mental health consequences include sleep disturbances, anxiety, stress, depression, and feelings of invisibility. Quantitative analyses establish connections, while qualitative insights underscore the profound impact on mental well-being.

This symposium deepens our understanding of the complex dynamics of discrimination against Asian Americans, providing valuable insights and actionable recommendations to mitigate its harmful effects on mental health.