Are There Gender Differences in the Psychological Effects of Ethnic Identity and Discrimination in Hawai'i?

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether there are gender differences in the psychological effects of ethnic identity and discrimination in Hawai'i. Using data from an anonymous survey of undergraduate students (N = 1,033) at a university in Hawai'i, regression results revealed that higher levels of ethnic identification were associated with significantly lower levels of depressive symptoms. This association was statistically significant (P < .001), adjusting for gender, age, socioeconomic status, racial/ethnic group, mixed racial/ethnic status, years living in Hawai'i, immigrant status, and discrimination. Interaction effects (b = 2.55; P < .05) further indicated that the inverse relationship between ethnic identity and symptoms of depression was stronger for men than women. Also, everyday discrimination was significantly more psychologically distressing for women (b = 0.19; P < .05) than men. Overall, these findings suggest that a strong ethnic identity, which encompasses ethnic pride and knowledge, involvement in ethnic practices, and a cultural commitment or feeling of belonging to one's ethnic group, significantly benefits mental health, and to a greater extent among men. Although the chronic stress of discrimination (not necessarily due to race/ethnicity) was linked with increased levels of distress among both men and women, it was significantly more intense among women. Future research is needed to uncover why the mental health consequences of everyday discrimination and a salient ethnic identity would be different for young men and women in this cultural context and whether this holds true in other locations in the United States.