Poster #147 - Are Young Asian Americans Dying From Bullying and Anti-Asian Hate Crimes?

• In Event: Saturday Poster Luncheon

Abstract

Studies have found dramatic increases in suicide rates of Asian American youth from 1999 to 2021, with female Asian American youth experiencing the highest increases. According to CDC, approximately one in five Asian high school students seriously considered attempting suicide in 2021. Over the years, there has been a growing increase in anti-Asian hate and xenophobia. Study shows that 80% of Asian Americans have experienced bullying, in-person or online in 2021. Asian Americans are often racialized as the “model minority” due to their better health and high achievement. However, within-group disparities and problems facing Asian Americans are often overlooked. Using the disaggregated micro-level restricted-use CDC mortality data, this study examines the relationship between bullying rates and anti-Asian hate crimes and young Asian Americans suicide rates. The study further disaggregates Asian American into ethnic subgroups and investigates the within-group disparities in suicide rates. Decomposition analysis and counterfactual computations of the suicide rates are performed to better understand the contributing factors of suicides. This paper contributes to the literature of Asian American’s youth mental health and highlights the consequences of racial discrimination on young Asian Americans. It calls for effective policy interventions to reduce racial discrimination and provide support for this vulnerable population. 

(The reason why I haven't fully present my results is because I just obtained the access to the restricted CDC mortality data and I am still processing the data.)

Author

• Xiting Zhang, University of Minnesota
  Presenting Author