Bicultural identity harmony and American identity are associated with positive mental health in U.S. racial and ethnic minority immigrants.

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we examined the association of ethnic and American identity with depression and anxiety and whether this relation is mediated by Bicultural Identity Integration. Method: We recruited racial and ethnic minority immigrant college students (N ϭ 766, M age ϭ 19.89, 60.4% women, 19.8% Black, 34.2% Hispanic, 36.6% Asian, and 9.4% other) who completed a series of self-report questionnaires. Participants answered questions relating to their ethnic and American identities, the degree to which these identities are compatible (i.e., Bicultural Identity Integration; BII), and presence of depression and anxiety symptoms. We conducted hierarchical linear regressions to test the direct relations between ethnic and American identity, BII, and depression and anxiety symptoms. We used bootstrapping to test the mediating role of BII. Results: Our analyses showed significant negative associations between American identity and BII cultural harmony with depression symptoms. BII cultural harmony was also negatively associated with anxiety symptoms. BII cultural harmony mediated the relations between American identity and both depression and anxiety symptoms. Conclusions: Perceived compatibility between ethnic and American identities is seemingly important for understanding the relation between national identity and mental health among racial and ethnic minority immigrants. However, longitudinal research designs would help assess causality in the relations found herein.

Worse Mental Health Among More-Acculturated and Younger Immigrants Experiencing Discrimination: California Health Interview Survey, 2015–2016

“…Other studies point to shifting and eroding family bonds with greater time in the US, diminishing the protective effect of familial social networks 31 . There have also been studies revealing acculturative stress associated with maintaining dual or multiple identities and/or languages 32 .…”

All Americans are Not Perceived as “True” Americans: Implications for Policy

“…Experiences of identity denial can increase anger and hostility; lower hope, life satisfaction, and sense of belonging; increase depressive symptoms; lower motivation; and increase psychophysiological stress responses (Albuja, Gaither et al, 2019; Albuja, Sanchez, & Gaither, 2019; Huynh et al, 2011; Sanchez, 2010; Wang et al, 2013). Conversely, the more ethnic minority-group members feel that their groups are respected and incorporated into the master national narrative, the more they identify with the superordinate national group (Huo & Molina, 2006) and experience fewer depressive symptoms (Tikhonov et al, 2019). Being included in the national identity also benefits civic and political engagement (Citrin & Sears, 2014).…”

Racial and Ethnic Considerations Across Child and Adolescent Development

“…Psychiatrists can inquire about family traditions, celebrations, positive views about one's cultural identity, and the role of religious and faith communities as social support. For instance, a strength-based approach to working with families of color would recognize the protective effect that having a strong sense of bicultural or multicultural identity can have among minority youth in the USA with relation to issues such as substance use and overall psychological well-being [22,23]. An evaluation of developmental competencies should be broadened to include competencies specific to the experience of persons of color, including resilience developed by dealing with individual and institutionalized racism, implicit bias and prejudice, as well as the ability to navigate bicultural identities [3].…”