More than a Dialogue: Family Communication, Discrimination Experiences, and Mental Health in Chinese American Youth
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| Title: | More than a Dialogue: Family Communication, Discrimination Experiences, and Mental Health in Chinese American Youth |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jin Hyung Lim, Xueqin Lin, Chunyan Yang (ORCID |
| Source: | School Psychology. 2026 41(4):399-409. |
| Availability: | American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Junior High Schools Middle Schools Secondary Education High Schools |
| Descriptors: | Chinese Americans, Mental Health, Family Influence, Family Relationship, COVID-19, Pandemics, Interpersonal Communication, Peer Acceptance, Racism, Social Bias, School Psychology, Middle School Students, High School Students |
| DOI: | 10.1037/spq0000735 |
| ISSN: | 2578-4218 2578-4226 |
| Abstract: | Although existing literature has focused on the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination on Chinese American youth mental health during the pandemic, less attention has been paid to the protective family-level processes that can buffer against such mental health risks. Guided by the dual-factor model of mental health and family systems theory, this study aimed to explore the role of affirming family communication in Chinese American youth mental health in the midst of racial discrimination. Participants were 205 Chinese American youth and their parents, who completed an online survey in the spring of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. By conducting a series of path analyses, we found that affirming family communication functions as a promotive factor that counteracts the negative impact of prepandemic peer discrimination on youth externalizing problems. However, the positive influences of affirming family communication on internalizing problems and subjective well-being were weakened when Chinese American youth faced high levels of COVID-19-related peer discrimination. The findings offer implications for school psychology practice by underscoring how to engage with families to promote youth mental health in the context of racial discrimination. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1507972 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | Although existing literature has focused on the impact of racial/ethnic discrimination on Chinese American youth mental health during the pandemic, less attention has been paid to the protective family-level processes that can buffer against such mental health risks. Guided by the dual-factor model of mental health and family systems theory, this study aimed to explore the role of affirming family communication in Chinese American youth mental health in the midst of racial discrimination. Participants were 205 Chinese American youth and their parents, who completed an online survey in the spring of 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. By conducting a series of path analyses, we found that affirming family communication functions as a promotive factor that counteracts the negative impact of prepandemic peer discrimination on youth externalizing problems. However, the positive influences of affirming family communication on internalizing problems and subjective well-being were weakened when Chinese American youth faced high levels of COVID-19-related peer discrimination. The findings offer implications for school psychology practice by underscoring how to engage with families to promote youth mental health in the context of racial discrimination. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 2578-4218 2578-4226 |
| DOI: | 10.1037/spq0000735 |
