Discrimination and Mental Health among Migrant and Ethnic Groups from South East London

• In Event: 147 - Regular Session. Current Issues in Mental Health

Abstract

Discrimination is an established contributor to poor mental health, particularly common mental disorder (CMD; i.e., depression and anxiety). However, there have been far fewer studies in the UK, particularly those that represent multicultural, urban contexts where there is greater demographic diversity. This study aims to examine discrimination experiences across multiple life domains and in relation to CMD, as well as whether or not the impact of discrimination on CMD varies by migrant status irrespective of race and ethnicity. Data on major, anticipated and everyday discrimination and CMD symptoms were collected from an ethnically diverse sample of 1052 participants who were followed up in the South East London Community Health (SELCoH) study, a population-based household survey. With few exceptions, discrimination was most prevalent among those in the Black Caribbean group. However, those in the White Other ethnic group had similar or greater reporting of both major and anticipated discrimination to Black Caribbean, Black African or mixed ethnic minority groups. The effects of all types of discrimination on CMD were most pronounced for individuals who have recently migrated to the UK and ethnic minority groups. For migrant status, the strength of the association dissipated with time, but remained at least two times greater for those not born in the UK. Given the strength of the relationship, more studies need to consider migration status along with ethnicity in examining the impact of discrimination on mental disorder and treatment outcomes in community and clinical samples.

Authors

• Stephani Hatch, King's College London

• Billy Gazard, Institute of Psychiatry

• David R. Williams, Harvard University

• Souci Frissa, King's College London

• Laura Goodwin, King's College London

• Matthew Hotopf, King's College London