Feelings of Safety and Belonging in High School for Asian American Students

ABSTRACT This study examines the experiences of school bullying and racism among Asian American Pacific Islander (henceforth AAPI) high school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Asian students who report being bullied at school or online are more likely to report depression and poor mental health outcomes. Perceived racism is also associated with a higher risk of depression. Among Asian students, females and LGB Asian students are more likely to report adverse mental health outcomes, which suggests they may be particularly vulnerable populations. Finally, our findings suggest that increased social support may act as a buffer against adverse mental health outcomes.

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