The model minority myth and Asian students' mental health: A comparative analysis of Asian American and international students and the moderating role of citizenship status.

Objectives: This study investigates how the model minority myth (MMM) influences mental health among Asian American and Asian international college students, with particular attention to differences by citizenship and regional background.

Method: Comparative analyses and sequential multiple regression were conducted with 573 students at a U.S. public university to assess the mental health effects of academic- and character-based stereotype exposure.

Results: Asian American students reported significantly higher exposure to academic stereotypes than international peers. Academic stereotypes were associated with poorer mental health among Asian American students, but not among international students overall, indicating a significant moderation effect by citizenship status. Among international subgroups, South/Southeast Asian students exhibited weaker associations between academic stereotypes and distress, but stronger associations with character-based stereotypes.

Conclusions: The psychological impact of the MMM varies by both citizenship and regional origin, underscoring the need for culturally responsive mental health interventions that account for the structural and identity-based diversity within the Asian student population. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).