Unpacking Multiple Forms of Discrimination Experiences in Racial/Ethnic Subgroups of Emerging Adults

Discrimination remains a prevalent concern in the United States, affecting roughly seven in 10 adults. Although studies have examined the prevalence of discrimination in the general population, most studies have primarily targeted one form, racial discrimination, and/or failed to exclusively focus on discrimination experiences during the transition to adulthood, a critical developmental period whereby young adults undergo numerous physical, cognitive, and social changes. Using a minority stress and intersectional lens, this study aims to: 1) assess significant differences in the prevalence of everyday discrimination and its multiple forms, 2) examine the relationship between multiple minority statuses and everyday discrimination, and 3) identify sociodemographic predictors of everyday discrimination in a nationally representative sample of emerging adults. Findings revealed that racial/ethnic minority (Black & Latinx) emerging adults experienced higher rates of discrimination, particularly Black emerging adults, in addition to those possessing multiple minority identity statuses. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that racial/ethnic minority status (e.g., Black and Latinx), older age, cisgender male identity, lower levels of education, income between $25,000 and $49,999, and residing in the Northeast and Western regions of the U.S. were significant predictors of perceived discrimination among emerging adults. Findings underscore the prevalence of perceived discrimination among those with at least one minority identity, which can further exacerbate existing challenges in emerging adulthood. There remains a need for systemic reforms to reduce discrimination across contexts (e.g., work and school settings) and the implementation of more supportive interventions to counter the negative effects of discrimination to promote healthy development in emerging adulthood.