Mediating And Moderating Factors In The Asian Americans Psychological Distress

This research study sought to examine moderating and mediating factors in Asian Americans psychological distress by using data from the National Latino and Asian American study (NLAAS), the first national psychiatric epidemiological survey of Asian Americans in the United States (NLAAS, 2002-03). A sample of 2095 Asian American adults was selected from the NLAAS data set which was based on stratified probability sampling methodology. The in-person computer-assisted interviews were conducted in the respondent's preferred language by usually culturally relevant and equivalent scales or instruments. It was hypothesized that Family Factor would mediate/moderate the effects of Acculturation Stress and Perceived Discrimination (Everyday/Specific Racial) on Psychological Distress. Similarly, Social Support was hypothesized to mediate/moderate the effects of Acculturation Stress and Perceived Discrimination (Everyday, Specific Racial) on Psychological Distress. Finally, Ethnic Identity was also hypothesized to mediate/moderate the effect of Perceived Discrimination (Everyday/Specific Racial) on Psychological Distress. A series of multiple regression analyses were used to empirically test mediating and moderating models of Asian American Psychological Distress. Family Conflict was observed to be a mediating as well as a moderating factor in Asian Americans' Psychological Distress. Family Conflict partially mediated the effects of both Acculturation Stress and Racial Discrimination (Everyday and Specific) on Psychological Distress. Family Conflict also moderated the effect of Everyday Discriminiation on Psychological Distress. Social Support played a crucial moderating factor on Asian Americans' Psychological Distress. Social Support with Relatives partially moderated the effect of both Acculturation Stress and Racial Discrimination (Everyday and Specific) on Psychological Distress. Problems with Social Support also moderated the effects of Everyday Discrimination on Psychological Distress. Implications for counselors along with future research directions were also discussed.