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Effects of Neighborhood Discrimination Towards Mainland Immigrants on Mental Health in Hong Kong

Author

Listed:
  • Juan Chen

    (Department of Applied Social Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, GH305, 11 Yuk Choi Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Zhonglu Li

    (College of Psychology and Sociology, Shenzhen University, Room 517, Technology Building, 3688 Nanhai Ave., Shenzhen 518060, China)

  • Duoduo Xu

    (Division of Social Science, Institute for Advanced Study, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Room 3302, Academic Building, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China)

  • Xiaogang Wu

    (Division of Social Science, Center for Applied Social and Economic Research (CASER), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Room 3374, Academic Building, Clear Water Bay, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China)

Abstract

Using data from a representative sample of Chinese adults who were surveyed in the Hong Kong Panel Study of Social Dynamics (HKPSSD), we estimate the effects of neighborhood discrimination towards immigrants from Mainland China on the mental health of Chinese residents in Hong Kong. Contrary to our expectations, discrimination towards immigrants from Mainland China measured at the neighborhood level is not associated with the poor mental health of post-1997 immigrants; instead, a higher level of immigrant discrimination is associated with a lower level of psychological distress for both post-1997 Mainland immigrants and other Chinese residents in Hong Kong. A functional family also appears to be a consistent predictor of better mental health for both groups. Our findings, therefore, suggest that immigrant discrimination can signify a prejudice that leads to social distance or avoidance and that the post-1997 Mainland immigrants do not have extensive contact with other local residents in Hong Kong. Although local residents’ discriminatory attitudes may not result in aggressive behaviors that have a negative impact on newcomers’ mental health, the social distance between the immigrants and the local residents is still an issue that requires further research and practical attention.

Suggested Citation

  • Juan Chen & Zhonglu Li & Duoduo Xu & Xiaogang Wu, 2019. "Effects of Neighborhood Discrimination Towards Mainland Immigrants on Mental Health in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(6), pages 1-15, March.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:6:p:1025-:d:215792
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Qiaobing Wu & Julian Chun-Chung Chow, 2013. "Social Service Utilization, Sense of Community, Family Functioning and the Mental Health of New Immigrant Women in Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(5), pages 1-12, April.
    2. Jikun Wang & Xudong Zhao, 2013. "Perceived family functioning in depressed Chinese couples: A cross‐sectional study," Nursing & Health Sciences, John Wiley & Sons, vol. 15(1), pages 9-14, March.
    3. Gee, G.C., 2002. "A multilevel analysis of the relationship between institutional and individual racial discrimination and health status," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 92(4), pages 615-623.
    4. Krieger, N., 2012. "Methods for the scientific study of discrimination and health: An ecosocial approach," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 102(5), pages 936-945.
    5. Su Liu & Catherine X. J. Hu & Selene Mak, 2013. "Comparison of Health Status and Health Care Services Utilization between Migrants and Natives of the Same Ethnic Origin—The Case of Hong Kong," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(2), pages 1-17, February.
    6. Muzhi Zhou & Xiaogang Wu & Guangye He, 2017. "Marriage in an immigrant society: Education and the transition to first marriage in Hong Kong," Demographic Research, Max Planck Institute for Demographic Research, Rostock, Germany, vol. 37(18), pages 567-598.
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