Perceived discrimination and well-being: A victim study of different immigrant groups

In this study, we compared perceived discrimination and its influence on psychological stress symptoms, and general health status in a nation-wide probability sample of immigrants in Finland (N=3595, 42% males, 58% females). The study represents an expansion of a previous work (Liebkind, K., & Jasinskaja-Lahti, I. (2000a). Journal of Community & Applied Social Psychology, 10, 1-16) by drawing on a representative sample of the adult immigrant population (age group 18-65), and by assessing not only perceived ethnic discrimination but also experiences of racist crimes. The results obtained regarding group differences in perceived discrimination were consistent with previous studies, with results from attitude surveys indicating the hierarchy among the host population regarding preferred immigrant groups, and with our predictions based on the length of residence, cultural distance and visibility of the different immigrant groups studied. Perceived racism and discrimination, especially everyday racism, was highly predictive of the psychological wellbeing and general health status of the immigrants. The differences between grouping are discussed in the light of additional factors potentially mediating and moderating the effects of perceived discrimination on well-being and general health. Copyright (c) 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.