Anti-Asian American Discrimination and COVID-19

Abstract. Previous research has demonstrated the deleterious effects of discrimination on health and well-being, as well as how these incidents maintain and/or increase inequalities and disparities for marginalized groups. The COVID-19 pandemic and media scapegoating of Asian Americans have been linked to increases in hate crimes and other discriminatory incidents. As such, it is important to uncover the lived experiences of Asian Americans, in the context of a global crisis, to inform recommendations related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3 and 10 prioritizing health and equality ( United Nations, 2015 ). The current study advances existing research by investigating the qualitative impact of postpandemic discrimination experienced by Asian American young adults from immigrant households. Analysis revealed several main themes expressed by participants such as a distinct difference in the lived experience of hostility, xenophobia, racism, and discrimination pre-COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 and the mental and physical health effects of discrimination-related stress, anxiety, and hypervigilance. Analysis also highlighted recommendations from participants for community support and resources. These findings align with emerging evidence demonstrating an increase in quantity and severity of discriminatory experiences among Asian Americans since the pandemic, as well as document the impact of these experiences on a sample of Asian Americans living through this unprecedented international event. Findings may inform interventions, programs, and policies to better serve Asian Americans, as well as directly and indirectly contribute to UN SDG 3 and SDG 10.