Journal

Journal of Counseling Psychology: Informal and Formal Support as Moderators Between Racial Discrimination and Distress Among a Community Sample of Racial/Ethnic Minorities

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Racial discrimination is a pervasive public health issue among racial/ethnic minorities, especially given its associations with psychological outcomes (Carter et al, 2019, Shi et al., 2022). However, according to Lazarus and Folkman's (1984) stress and coping theory, not all individuals develop mental health issues depending on the ways in which people cope with stressors. Thus, the present study examined whether support as a coping method buffered the link between experiences of racial discrimination and psycho- logical distress. Specifically, we examined multiple forms of support, including social support, the use of psychotherapy, support groups, and self-help books as potential protective factors. Participants included a community sample of racial/ethnic minorities (Mage=29.08, SD = 10.07), who completed a survey at an Asian community festival in a southwestern state. Results demonstrated that general social support and the use of support groups moderated the association between racial discrimination and distress, whereas the use of self-help books and psychotherapy in the past year did not. Findings highlight the importance of greater support spaces for racial/ethnic minority communities.

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Detail Information

Series Title

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Call Number

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Publisher

: ., July 2025

Collation

vol.72, No.4, p. 342-352

Language

English

ISBN/ISSN

0022-0167

Classification

NONE

Content Type

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Media Type

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Carrier Type

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Edition

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Subject(s)

Racial discrimination
Racial/ethnic minorities
Social support
Psychological distress

Specific Detail Info

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Statement of Responsibility

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