Perceived Discrimination, Acculturative Stress, and Depression Among South Asians: Mixed Findings

The present study focused on experiences of discrimination and acculturative stress and their potential role in depression among South Asians. Drawing from the National Latino and Asian American Study (NLAAS), we examined differences in perceived discrimination and depression among South Asians, other Asian subgroups (e.g., Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino), and non-Hispanic Whites, and differences in acculturative stress between South Asians and other Asian subgroups. We further examined the relationship between perceived discrimination and depression, the relationship between acculturative stress and depression among the various ethnic groups, and the moderating role of family support and peer support in the relationship between perceived discrimination and depression in the South Asian sample (N = 169). There were mixed findings with respect to differences on perceived discrimination and acculturative stress across different Asian subgroups. Multiple regression analyses revealed that perceived discrimination was positively associated with depression for South Asians. Family support was found to moderate the relationship between perceived discrimination and depression in the South Asian sample. Implications of the findings for research and practice with South Asians are discussed.