Effects of Perceived Racial Discrimination on Psychological Dysfunction: Psychotic-Like Experiences and Trauma-Related Symptoms in Asians and Asian Americans

Author Information

Madison A. Smith, Alliant International University, United States
Katherine Packard, Alliant International University, United States
Natasha Nemanim, Alliant International University, United States
Alyssa Roth, Alliant International University, United States
Melody Pezeshkian, Alliant International University, United States
Veronica B. Perez, Alliant International University, United States

Abstract

While Asian and Asian American (A/AA) communities have long faced discrimination, marginalization, and harmful racial stereotypes, worsening anti-Asian harassment and violence have intensified concerns for adverse mental health outcomes, including elevated depression, anxiety, and stress. However, coping strategies may shape whether discrimination leads to manageable psychological distress or more severe outcomes, such as psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and trauma-related symptoms. This study examines relationships between perceived discrimination and psychopathology and evaluates how coping strategies relate to psychological outcomes in A/AA compared with White American adults. Participants (n = 60; data collection ongoing) were assessed on perceived discrimination, coping, PLEs, posttraumatic symptoms, posttraumatic growth, depression, anxiety, and stress. Preliminary results confirm hypothesized relationships between perceived discrimination distress, coping styles, and psychological dysfunction. More discrimination distress was associated with symptom severity worsening across PLEs, trauma-related symptoms, depression, anxiety, and stress. Adaptive coping styles (e.g., education, advocacy) were associated with greater posttraumatic growth. Conversely, maladaptive coping styles (e.g., avoidance, substance use) were associated with increased psychological dysfunction and psychopathology. These results highlight discriminatory experiences as a transdiagnostic risk factor with significant potential to impact A/AA mental health outcomes. Findings underscore the need for culturally-informed assessment and intervention to address the experiences of anti-Asian discrimination and their psychological impact on A/AA communities. Such efforts aim to strengthen culturally congruent adaptive coping strategies to promote resilience and posttraumatic growth within these populations.

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