Perceived Discrimination and Psychological Distress: A Survey of Filipinx Americans in Massachusetts during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Maglalang, MA PhD Dale Dagar; Condor, BS Jose L.; Bañada, MSW Ronna; Nuestro, Erin; Katigbak,

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to an upsurge of discrimination against Asian American populations, and Filipinx Americans (FA) have reported high cases of perceived discrimination. Prior studies have shown a relationship between experiences of discrimination and poor mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of perceived discrimination and psychological distress among FA living in Massachusetts from a survey collected during the COVID-19 pandemic (N = 133). Multiple regression analysis revealed that experiences of perceived discrimination were associated with psychological distress. Older participants were less likely to report psychological distress. Compared to men, womxn were more likely to report psychological distress. Our findings highlight the potential mental health consequences of perceived discrimination experienced by FA, which may have been exacerbated during the COVID-19 pandemic.