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The Association between Discrimination and Psychological and Social Well-being

Author

Listed:
  • Anu E. Castaneda
  • Shadia Rask
  • Päivikki Koponen
  • Jaana Suvisaari
  • Seppo Koskinen
  • Tommi Härkänen
  • Simo Mannila
  • Kari Laitinen
  • Pirjo Jukarainen
  • Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti

Abstract

Background Discrimination is known to negatively affect the psychological well-being of migrants. Less is known on the association between discrimination and social well-being. Aim We examined the association between experienced discrimination and psychological (mental health, quality of life) and social well-being (loneliness, feelings of safety, trust towards society) in Russian, Somali and Kurdish migrants in Finland. Methods We used data from the Finnish Migrant Health and Wellbeing Study (Maamu). The participants comprised 1795 persons of Russian, Somali or Kurdish origin aged 18–64 years. Experiences of discrimination, loneliness, safety and trust towards society were measured using interview questions. Mental health symptoms were measured using the HSCL-25 and quality of life using EUROHIS-QOL. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations between discrimination and psychological and social well-being, separately for the three ethnic groups. Results Discrimination increased the odds for mental health symptoms and decreased the odds for quality of life among Russian and Kurdish migrants, but not Somalis. Discrimination was associated with feeling unsafe and decreased trust towards society among all migrants. Among Kurds, discrimination increased the odds also for loneliness. Conclusions Discrimination is an essential threat to the psychological and social well-being of Russian, Somali or Kurdish migrants.

Suggested Citation

  • Anu E. Castaneda & Shadia Rask & Päivikki Koponen & Jaana Suvisaari & Seppo Koskinen & Tommi Härkänen & Simo Mannila & Kari Laitinen & Pirjo Jukarainen & Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti, 2015. "The Association between Discrimination and Psychological and Social Well-being," Psychology and Developing Societies, , vol. 27(2), pages 270-292, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:psydev:v:27:y:2015:i:2:p:270-292
    DOI: 10.1177/0971333615594054
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