Psychological impact of anti-Asian stigma due to the COVID-19 pandemic: A call for research, practice, and policy responses

Psychol Trauma. 2020 Jul;12(5):461-464. doi: 10.1037/tra0000821. Epub 2020 Jun 11.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic is linked to a rise in stigma and discrimination against Chinese and other Asians, which is likely to have a negative impact on mental health, especially when combined with additional outbreak-related stressors. We discuss the need to consider the potential harms of these anti-Asian sentiments during both the height of the pandemic and longer-term recovery through (a) research-examining how it affects mental health and recovery; (b) practice-implementing evidence-based stigma reduction initiatives; and (c) policy-coordinating federal response to anti-Asian racism including investment in mental health services and community-based efforts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

MeSH terms

  • Asian*
  • Biomedical Research*
  • COVID-19
  • Coronavirus Infections*
  • Culturally Competent Care
  • Emigrants and Immigrants
  • Evidence-Based Practice*
  • Health Policy*
  • Humans
  • Mental Health Services
  • Pandemics*
  • Pneumonia, Viral*
  • Psychological Trauma* / therapy
  • Racism*
  • Social Stigma*