The consequences of perceived discrimination for psychological well-being: A meta-analytic review.

AbstractThe present study examines the relationships between perceived discrimination, internalized stigma, and well-being in a sample of people with mental illness. We conducted a cross-sectional study with 213 outpatients from the Spanish public network of social care. Perceived discrimination was positively and significantly correlated with internalized stigma (p < .01 for all measures of perceived discrimination). Blatant individual discrimination, subtle individual discrimination, and internalized stigma were negatively correlated with life satisfaction, affect balance, and psychological well-being (p < .01 for all cases, except for blatant individual discrimination and affect balance, for which is p < .05). Regression and mediation analyses indicate that subtle individual discrimination is the kind of discrimination most negatively associated to the well-being measures (life satisfaction: B = –.18, p < .10; affect balance: B = –.19, p < .10; psychological well-being: B = –.21, p < .05), and that this association is mediated by internalized stigma. Future research should confirm these findings in a longitudinal or experimental model. In light of our findings, we suggest the development and implementation of intervention programs that target subtle discrimination, and point at the importance of implementing programs to reduce internalized stigma.

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The Correlation of Perceived Discrimination and Psychological Well-Being among the Manjo Ethnic Minority in Kaffa Zone, Ethiopia.

International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding ◽

10.18415/ijmmu.v5i6.465 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 5 (6) ◽

pp. 62

Author(s):

Bizuayehu Dengechi ◽

Nigatuwa Worku ◽

Fisseha Mikre

Keyword(s):

Ethnic Minority ◽

Personal Growth ◽

Positive Relationship ◽

Perceived Discrimination ◽

Well Being ◽

Significant Negative Correlation ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Pearson Product Moment Correlation ◽

Environmental Mastery ◽

Study Participants

The purpose of this study was to examine the correlation between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being of Manjo ethnic minority in Kaffa zone, Ethiopia. One hundred and forty nine (149) study participants from the Manjo ethnic minority were randomly selected and filled out the perceived discrimination and psychological well-being questionnaire scales. Pearson Product moment correlation was computed to determine the strength and direction of relationship between their perception of discrimination by others and the psychological well-being report. Perceived discrimination is a variability of thought that results from an act of segregation and distancing of an individual or group of individuals mainly because of bias and prejudice. The psychological well-being variable was measured by six dimensions, which are named as autonomy, environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relationship with others, purpose in life and self-acceptance of individuals. The result of the study showed the presence of a strong and significant negative correlation between the Manjos’ perception of discrimination they experience from other ethnic groups and the corresponding psychological well-being state.

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Perceived Discrimination, Social Environment, and Older Adults’ Psychological Well-Being

Innovation in Aging ◽

10.1093/geroni/igab046.1780 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 5 (Supplement_1) ◽

pp. 462-462

Author(s):

Min-Kyoung Park ◽

Christine Mair

Keyword(s):

Older Adults ◽

Social Environment ◽

Perceived Discrimination ◽

Country Of Origin ◽

Well Being ◽

Neighborhood Environment ◽

Negative Effects ◽

Psychological Well Being ◽

Older Americans ◽

The Social

Abstract Experiencing discrimination can have detrimental effects on psychological well-being. For older adults in the U.S., discrimination on the basis of country of origin may be a particularly alienating experience. A positive social environment, however, has been shown to buffer associations between discrimination and poorer psychological well-being. However, this hypothesis has not been tested in a sample of older Americans who perceive discrimination because of country of origin. As the United States continues to diversify and politically polarize, understanding older adults’ experiences with discrimination and identifying potential buffers to these negative effects is increasingly important. We analyze 942 older Americans (aged 50+) from the Psychosocial Module of the most recent wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, 2020). Specifically, we analyze associations between perceived discrimination on the basis of country of origin and three psychological well-being outcomes: loneliness, anxiety, and life satisfaction. We further test if the social environment buffers negative effects by examining interactions between discrimination and social support as well as discrimination and neighborhood environment. Our results reveal clear and consistent associations between older adults’ perceived discrimination and increased loneliness and decreased life satisfaction. These negative associations, however, appear to be buffered by social support and positive neighborhood environment, respectively. The potential buffering effect of positive social environments on psychological well-being is particularly pronounced for older adults under the age of 65. We discuss these findings in light of the prevalence of discrimination in the U.S. and consider potential mechanisms for improving the social environment of older adults.

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