The Forgotten Asian Americans: Filipino Americans' Experiences With Racial Microaggressions and Trauma

Numerous studies have found that racial microaggressions significantly predict an array of negative outcomes for Asian Americans, including depressive symptoms, anxiety, anger, and somatic symptoms (lluynh, 2012; Nadal et al., 2015; Ong et al., 2013). However, because such studies do not disaggregate their samples, little is known of how racial microaggressions may impact specific Asian American ethnic groups. For example, while qualitative inquiry has highlighted an array of racial microaggressions Filipino Americans encounter in their everyday lives (Nadal et al., 2012), quantitative studies are crucial in examining how such experiences influence Filipino Americans' mental health. Further, though some studies have explored the relationship between racial microaggressions and trauma with specific racial and ethnic groups (Moody & Lewis. 2019; Nadal et al., 2019; Torres & Taknint, 2015), empirical research is necessary to understand how microaggressions may predict trauma for other ethnic groups, including Filipino Americans. Utilizing an online sample of Filipino Americans (N = 314), the present study examined the relationship between racial microaggressions and trauma symptoms. Hierarchical regression analyses indicate a greater frequency of racial microaggressions was significantly associated with greater traumatic stress symptoms, and the presence of culturally related trauma was associated with more trauma symptoms. Implications for Asian American psychology are discussed, particularly focusing on the need for advocating for expanded conceptualizations of trauma and for disaggregating Asian American ethnic groups.