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COVID-19-Related Discrimination and Mental Distress: Mediating Role of Loneliness, Resilience, and Financial Worries

Author

Listed:
  • Ye Luo

    (Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

  • Miao Li

    (Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

  • William Haller

    (Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

  • Yu-Bo Wang

    (School of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

  • Patricia Carbajales-Dale

    (Clemson Center for Geospatial Technologies, Clemson University, Clemson, SC 29634, USA)

  • Savannah Jones

    (Office of Institutional Effectiveness and Analysis, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487, USA)

  • Xi Pan

    (Department of Sociology, Texas State University, San Marcos, TX 78666, USA)

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between COVID-19-related discrimination and mental distress in the later stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. It also explores whether this relationship can be accounted for by loneliness, resilience, and financial worries. A random sample of 302 respondents from four Upstate South Carolina counties completed surveys between March and August 2022. Results from path analysis indicate a strong positive association between experiences of COVID-19-related discrimination and mental distress, with approximately half of this association accounted for by loneliness, resilience, and financial worries. Additionally, job disruptions and material hardships account for the relationship between discrimination and financial worries. While recognizing that causal inferences cannot be drawn from the cross-sectional design, these findings highlight the interconnected social, psychological, and economic factors linked to discrimination and mental distress and suggest potential targets for future research and intervention.

Suggested Citation

  • Ye Luo & Miao Li & William Haller & Yu-Bo Wang & Patricia Carbajales-Dale & Savannah Jones & Xi Pan, 2026. "COVID-19-Related Discrimination and Mental Distress: Mediating Role of Loneliness, Resilience, and Financial Worries," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-20, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:15:y:2026:i:6:p:370-:d:1960627
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