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Stigma, Perceived Discrimination, and Mental Health during China's COVID-19 Outbreak: A Mixed-Methods Investigation
Wen Fan1, Yue Qian2, Yongai Jin3
1Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA, USA.
Journal of Health and Social Behavior
|October 4, 2021
Summary
COVID-19 stigma in China disproportionately affected those from Hubei province and individuals labeled as patients. This discrimination led to increased psychological distress among these groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- COVID-19 research often overlooks non-Western contexts, focusing instead on Western racism and xenophobia.
- Stigma and discrimination processes during the COVID-19 pandemic in non-Western settings remain under-researched.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the emergence, experiences, and mental health impacts of stigma and discrimination during China's COVID-19 outbreak.
- To examine region-based stigma, specifically targeting individuals from Hubei province and those associated with it.
- To analyze state-imposed stigma on individuals labeled as 'patients'.
Main Methods:
- Utilized quantitative survey data (N = 7,942) and qualitative interview data (N = 50).
- Employed a survey experiment to assess region-based stigma, considering China's history of regionalism.
- Qualitative data explored lived experiences of stigma and discrimination.
Main Results:
- Individuals from Hubei and those socially linked to the province experienced region-based stigma.
- The COVID-19 outbreak generated stigma against individuals labeled as 'patients' by the state.
- Stigmatized groups reported higher perceived discrimination, which correlated with psychological distress.
Conclusions:
- Region-based and state-imposed stigma were significant during China's COVID-19 outbreak.
- Perceived discrimination acted as a stressor, negatively impacting the mental health of stigmatized groups.
- Further research is needed on stigma in non-Western contexts and its public health implications.
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