Effects of Neighborhood Discrimination Towards Mainland Immigrants on Mental Health in Hong Kong

Abstract

Using data from a representative sample of Chinese adults who were surveyed in the Hong Kong Panel Study of Social Dynamics (HKPSSD), we estimate the effects of neighborhood discrimination towards immigrants from Mainland China on the mental health of Chinese residents in Hong Kong. Contrary to our expectations, discrimination towards immigrants from Mainland China measured at the neighborhood level is not associated with the poor mental health of post-1997 immigrants; instead, a higher level of immigrant discrimination is associated with a lower level of psychological distress for both post-1997 Mainland immigrants and other Chinese residents in Hong Kong. A functional family also appears to be a consistent predictor of better mental health for both groups. Our findings, therefore, suggest that immigrant discrimination can signify a prejudice that leads to social distance or avoidance and that the post-1997 Mainland immigrants do not have extensive contact with other local residents in Hong Kong. Although local residents’ discriminatory attitudes may not result in aggressive behaviors that have a negative impact on newcomers’ mental health, the social distance between the immigrants and the local residents is still an issue that requires further research and practical attention.

Perceived discrimination and psychological distress among Mainland Chinese immigrant women in Hong Kong: The indirect effects of tolerance of uncertainty and common dyadic coping.

“…Discriminatory stress is common for new immigrants (Chen et al, 2019;Di Napoli et al, 2021;Esses, 2021). According to the temporal need-threat model (K. D. Williams, 2009), being discriminated against threatens an individual's need to understand their immediate environment and control how they should behave.…”

“…Immigration is a prominent social and political issue globally (Chen et al, 2019; Di Napoli et al, 2021; Esses, 2021). Hong Kong is a unique city, with a large number of immigrants arriving from Mainland China annually.…”

“…Discriminatory stress is common for new immigrants (Chen et al, 2019; Di Napoli et al, 2021; Esses, 2021). According to the temporal need-threat model (K.…”

Congruence and discrepancy in migrant children’s and mothers’ perceived discrimination: Using response surface analysis to examine the effects on psychological distress

“…Many of the questions captured by these measures, however, were related to participants’ daily interactions (e.g. “I don't think I am treated fairly in restaurants” or “Others don't respect me enough”); thus, it is reasonable to assume that these perceived discriminatory behaviors against them were perpetuated by local residents, as most discrimination against new immigrants mainly comes from local residents (Chen et al., 2019; Fong & Guo, 2019; Ng et al., 2015; Wong et al., 2012). In addition, children may face discrimination in different contexts (discrimination from peers and teachers) from their mothers (in the labor market or neighborhood), which may account for discrepant reports (Rivas‐Drake et al, 2008).…”

“…Previous studies identified a positive association between perceived discrimination and various adverse outcomes among migrants (Lee & Ahn, 2011; Pascoe & Smart Richman, 2009). For example, higher levels of perceived discrimination predicted more mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety among migrant children (Chen et al, 2019) and mothers (Chang et al, 2020). Few studies, however, have addressed these detrimental linkages among migrant children and mothers by using a dyadic approach to examine how children's and their mothers’ experiences of discrimination and mental health are intertwined (Chou, 2012).…”