The Stress-Buffering Effects of Social Support and Self-Compassion on Subjective Well-Being on Asian Americans: Generational Differences

Abstract

As research showed that first- and second-generation Asian Americans are less likely to reach out to mental health professionals, it is crucial to investigate the coping strategies and resources they may utilize to improve their subjective well-being. The present study investigated the unique experiences among first- and second-generation Asian Americans’ subjective well-being, and whether social support and self-compassion moderated the relationship between racism stress and subjective well-bring. One hundred and ninety-seven participants completed an online survey. Hierarchical regression analyses suggested that both social support and self-compassion positively predicted subjective well-being. However, they did not moderate the relationship between racism-related stress and subjective well-being. There were significant differences in racism-related stress and self-compassion between first- and second-generation Asian Americans. Results further confirmed the significant role of social support and self-compassion among Asian Americans’ mental health. Their role between racism-related stress and subjective well-being remained unclear.