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Perceived discrimination and mental health in the Japanese general population

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  • Andrew Stickley
  • Aya Shirama
  • Tomiki Sumiyoshi

Abstract

Background: Research has shown that discrimination is prevalent in many countries and associated with poorer mental health. However, little is known about discrimination and its effects in Japan. Aims: To address this deficit this study examined the association between perceived discrimination and mental health outcomes in the Japanese general population and the role of general stress in these associations. Method: Data were analyzed from 1,245 individuals (age 18–89) that were collected in an online survey in 2021. Perceived discrimination was assessed with a single-item measure as was lifetime suicidal ideation. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were respectively measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. General stress was assessed with the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14). Logistic regression was used to assess associations. Results: Perceived discrimination was prevalent (31.6%) in the study sample. In fully adjusted analyses discrimination was associated with all of the mental health outcomes/general stress with odds ratios (ORs) ranging from 2.78 (suicidal ideation) to 6.09 (general stress) among individuals with a high level of discrimination. When the analyses were adjusted for general stress (as a continuous score) there was a large reduction in the ORs although high discrimination continued to be significantly associated with anxiety (OR: 2.21), while a mid level of discrimination was related to depressive symptoms (OR: 1.87) and had a borderline association with suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Perceived discrimination is common in the Japanese general population and associated with worse mental health, with stress possibly playing a role in this association.

Suggested Citation

  • Andrew Stickley & Aya Shirama & Tomiki Sumiyoshi, 2023. "Perceived discrimination and mental health in the Japanese general population," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 69(7), pages 1790-1800, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:socpsy:v:69:y:2023:i:7:p:1790-1800
    DOI: 10.1177/00207640231175248
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Andrew Stickley & Hans Oh & Ai Koyanagi & Mall Leinsalu & Zui Narita & Bayard Roberts & Martin McKee, 2019. "Perceived discrimination and psychological distress in nine countries of the former Soviet Union," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 65(2), pages 158-168, March.
    2. Liat Ayalon, 2018. "Perceived Age Discrimination: A Precipitator or a Consequence of Depressive Symptoms?," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 73(5), pages 860-869.
    3. Schulz, A.J. & Gravlee, C.C. & Williams, D.R. & Israel, B.A. & Mentz, G. & Rowe, Z., 2006. "Discrimination, symptoms of depression, and self-rated health among African American women in Detroit: Results from a longitudinal analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 96(7), pages 1265-1270.
    4. Javier Alvarez-Galvez & Luis Salvador-Carulla, 2013. "Perceived Discrimination and Self-Rated Health in Europe: Evidence from the European Social Survey (2010)," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 8(9), pages 1-1, September.
    5. Gee, G.C. & Spencer, M.S. & Chen, J. & Takeuchi, D., 2007. "A nationwide study of discrimination and chronic health conditions among Asian Americans," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 97(7), pages 1275-1282.
    6. Tabuchi, Takahiro & Fukuhara, Hiroyuki & Iso, Hiroyasu, 2012. "Geographically-based discrimination is a social determinant of mental health in a deprived or stigmatized area in Japan: A cross-sectional study," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 75(6), pages 1015-1021.
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