An Examination of Risk and Protective Factors on the Mental Health of First- and Second-generation Immigrant Adults during an Exclusionary Policy Context in the United States

Abstract

Purpose: This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the impacts of three risk factors (i.e., Trump-era policy stress, incidents of discrimination, and COVID-19 exposure) and two protective factors (i.e., resilience and social support) on mental health status. Methods: Data were collected via an online survey with first- and second-generation immigrant adults (n = 447). Hierarchical linear regression was employed to assess the risk and protective factors, in addition to demographic characteristics, on anxiety and depression scores. Results: Trump-era policy stress and discrimination predicted higher symptoms of both anxiety and depression. In terms of protective factors, resilience and social support each had a significant inverse relationship with anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion: Findings contribute to the knowledge base of risk and protective factors during a stringent immigration policy context and pandemic in the United States. Discussion: Implications for practice, research, and policymaking are presented. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)