Abstract

Previous research has shown how Asian Americans have experience discrimination during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and how that discrimination has impacted their mental health (Cheah et al., 2020; Litam & Oh, 2020; McDermott, 2021). Transracial adoptees have been shown to have more identity crises due to their ethnicities being different compared to their adoptive parents. This causes them to feel like an outsider because they have no links to their birth heritage (Chen, 2020; Li & Nicholson, 2020; Reny & Barreto, 2020). Adoptees who experience ethnic-related discrimination have been shown to suffer from various mental and physical stressors, including depression and sleep issues (Ferrari et al., 2017). Thus, this study looked at the effects of perceived discrimination during the COVID-19 pandemic and ethnic identity on the psychological well-being of Chinese transracial adoptees in the United States. Results indicate that adoptee identity, ethnic identity, and prejudice were not significant predictors for psychological well-being. However, ethnic identity was found to be a significant predictor of collective self-esteem. Moreover, common themes surrounding connecting with Chinese and adoptee identity were shown through interview analyses.

Advisor

Garcia, Amber

Department

Psychology

Keywords

Asian American racism, COVID-19 racism, adoptee identity, psychological well-being, ethnic identity

Publication Date

2023

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2023 Zoe E. Seymore