An Intersectional Investigation of the Sociocultural Factors that Shape the Psychological and Sexual Well-Being of Asian Women in the U.S.: A Mixed-Methods Multi-Study Approach
Abstract
Asian women have been sexualized, subjugated, and discriminated against throughout U.S. history. Despite this, little research has been conducted on their experiences of sexual socialization, discrimination, and well-being. The current dissertation used an intersectionality framework and drew from the revised bioecological theory to explore the sexual and discrimination experiences of Asian women in three distinct studies. Conducted with a sample of 24 Asian women attending college in the New York area, Study 1 qualitatively explored the sexual socialization experiences of Asian women with a particular focus on how they learn about and navigate sexual consent, sexual interactions, sexual assault, and the decision to disclose a sexual assault or not. Findings from Study 1 pointed to the patriarchal messages, blame culture, lack of communication, cultural harmony, and sexually racist messages that contribute to Asian women’s understanding of their roles during sexual interactions. Themes converged on the ideas that women’s sexual autonomy may be threatened and that they encounter numerous barriers to disclosing sexual assault. Study 2 quantitatively assessed how intersectional discrimination predicts depression, anxiety, and three types of safety among a sample of 349 adult Asian women in the U.S. Additionally, the moderating roles of appropriated racial oppression and social support from friends were assessed. Findings suggested that increased discrimination relates to increased depression and anxiety symptoms and decreased safety. Appropriated racial oppression moderated the relationship between discrimination and anxiety and discrimination and safety on transportation, but social support did not moderate the relationship between discrimination and any of these well-being outcomes. Study 3 explored whether experiences of intersectional discrimination are associated with negative affect after a sexual interaction and sexual assertiveness among 112 emerging adult Asian women. Hypotheses were not supported. However, patterns in the discrimination and sexual experiences of Asian women were found. Together, these three studies contribute to a gap in the literature and should be used to direct future research on Asian women’s experiences of discrimination and sexual well-being in hopes of informing future de-colonial interventions and practices designed to uplift and protect this underserved community.
Subject Area
Developmental psychology|Asian Studies|Psychology|Mental health
Recommended Citation
Forbes, Nicola, "An Intersectional Investigation of the Sociocultural Factors that Shape the Psychological and Sexual Well-Being of Asian Women in the U.S.: A Mixed-Methods Multi-Study Approach" (2024). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI31292520.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI31292520
