Ethnic Identity and Mental Health Among Dominicans of Haitian Descent in the Dominican Republic

• In Event: 480 - Section on Medical Sociology Refereed Roundtable Session and Business Meeting
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: Table 02. Discrimination and Health

Abstract

Findings from research on identity theory and health reveal two key points: stressors related to one’s identity can explain status differences in psychological distress; and the strength of identification with one’s own ethnic group is associated with better mental health. What remains unclear is how identity salience influences the lives of immigrant groups when the boundaries of identification are contested. For Dominicans of Haitian descent, recent legislation has called national identities into question. As of 2005, the Dominican Republic grants citizenship to all those born on Dominican soil, except those born “in transit”. Previously, this definition was applied to migrant workers and children of diplomats. In 2013, however, “in transit” was re-defined to include persons born to undocumented parents. This change disproportionately affects Dominicans of Haitian descent.

Dominicans of Haitian descent face social exclusion and discrimination. This paper uses ethnographic data to examine how ethnic identity impacts mental health. Specifically, two key aspects of ethnic identity are discussed: identity salience and positive/negative perceptions of ethnic Haitians in the Dominican Republic. Evidence offers support for the buffering effect of ethnic identity when examining the relationship between perceived discrimination and mental health. Further, ethnic identity becomes more salient when faced with discrimination. Also, positive perceptions of ethnic Haitians increase pride in one’s ethnic identity and are employed to reinterpret individual discrimination and diminish its impact on mental health.

Author

• Trenita Brookshire Childers, Duke University