Internalized Model Minority Myth, God Representations, and Mental Health Among Christian Asian Americans

The endorsement of the model minority stereotype by Asian Americans (i.e., internalized model minority myth) has associations with the mental health, but more empirical research is needed on factors that moderate this association. For many Asian Americans, religion is an important identity that intersects with racialized experiences, and the present study explores God representation (authoritarian, benevolent) as moderators of the association between internalized model minority myth and mental health (depressive symptoms, life satisfaction). Results based on 263 Christian Asian Americans revealed that internalized model minority stereotype was associated with decreased depressive symptoms. Also, authoritarian representation was associated with increased depressive symptoms and decreased life satisfaction. Benevolent representation was associated with increased life satisfaction. Finally, benevolent representation was a significant moderator of the association between internalized model minority myth and depression symptoms. The findings are preliminary given that this is a novel integration of the model minority and religiosity literature, but they suggest some promising implications for those working with Asian Americans in Christian settings.

Automated summary

This study examines the association between endorsement of the model minority stereotype by Asian Americans and mental health, and explores the moderating roles of religion and God representation. The findings suggest that both authoritarian and benevolent God representations play a role in moderating this association. This novel integration of the model minority and religiosity literature has promising implications for professionals working with Asian Americans in Christian settings.