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Experience of Ethnic Discrimination, Anxiety, Perceived Risk of COVID-19, and Social Support among Polish and International Students during the Pandemic

Author

Listed:
  • Anna Bokszczanin

    (Institute of Psychology, University of Opole, 45-052 Opole, Poland)

  • Olga Gladysh

    (Institute of Psychology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 03-378 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Anna Bronowicka

    (Institute of Psychology, University of Opole, 45-052 Opole, Poland)

  • Marek Palace

    (School of Psychology, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool L3-5UG, UK)

Abstract

Background: Our research aimed to assess the experiences of ethnic discrimination among students in Poland (Polish and international) during the COVID-19 pandemic. We also tested the prevalence of anxiety symptoms and their relationship with perceived COVID-19 risk, the severity of discrimination, and social support. Methods: The data from Polish ( n = 481) and international university students ( n = 105) were collected online (November–January 2020). Participants completed measures of ethnic discrimination (GEDS), anxiety scale (GAD-7), COVID-19 risk perception index, and perceived social support scale (MSPSS) questionnaires. Results: The results showed that international students reported being much more discriminated than Polish students during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Contrary to our expectation, a higher risk of anxiety disorders (GAD) was observed in 42% of Polish students compared to 31% of international students. The predictors of higher anxiety symptoms among both groups were the perceived risk of COVID-19 and the greater severity of ethnic discrimination. In both groups, the perceived social support had a protective role in anxiety symptomatology. Conclusions: The high prevalence of discrimination, especially among international students, simultaneously with high symptoms of anxiety, requires vigorous action involving preventive measures and psychological support.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Bokszczanin & Olga Gladysh & Anna Bronowicka & Marek Palace, 2023. "Experience of Ethnic Discrimination, Anxiety, Perceived Risk of COVID-19, and Social Support among Polish and International Students during the Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(7), pages 1-15, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:20:y:2023:i:7:p:5236-:d:1104993
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sarah Dryhurst & Claudia R. Schneider & John Kerr & Alexandra L. J. Freeman & Gabriel Recchia & Anne Marthe van der Bles & David Spiegelhalter & Sander van der Linden, 2020. "Risk perceptions of COVID-19 around the world," Journal of Risk Research, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 23(7-8), pages 994-1006, August.
    2. Karolina Fila-Witecka & Adrianna Senczyszyn & Agata Kołodziejczyk & Marta Ciułkowicz & Julian Maciaszek & Błażej Misiak & Dorota Szcześniak & Joanna Rymaszewska, 2021. "Lifestyle Changes among Polish University Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(18), pages 1-19, September.
    3. Jedwab, Remi & Khan, Amjad M. & Russ, Jason & Zaveri, Esha D., 2021. "Epidemics, pandemics, and social conflict: Lessons from the past and possible scenarios for COVID-19," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 147(C).
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