Coping strategies as moderators of COVID-19 racial discrimination in Filipinos

The present study examined the extent to which COVID-19 racial discrimination related to life satisfaction, depression, and anxiety in 246 Filipino Americans. The extent to which coping strategy moderated the mediated relationship of COVID-19 racial discrimination via depression and anxiety on life satisfaction was also explored. Findings indicated that Filipino Americans who experienced or witnessed COVID-19 racial discrimination were significantly more likely to experience decreased levels of life satisfaction and increased levels of depression and anxiety. Higher levels of discrimination were significantly related to higher levels of depression which were linked to poorer life satisfaction. Coping strategy moderated the mediated relationship of COVID-19 racial discrimination via depression with life satisfaction. Engagement and disengagement coping responses significantly moderated the link between COVID-19 discrimination with anxiety and depression, respectively. Implications for mental health professionals, study limitations, and future areas of research are additionally provided.