The Effects of Ethnic Identity Belongingness on Defeatment and Entrapment among Queer Asian Americans
Mabel Sum, Brianna Sangco-Lee
Department of Psychology
Faculty Supervisor: Melissa Hagan
Background: A sense of affirmation and belonging to one’s ethnic identity is a strong protective factor against suicidality and associated risk factors; feelings of defeat and entrapment are particularly salient. However, there is limited research on these constructs in ethnically minoritized young adults with intersecting social identities. Aims: This study evaluated the hypothesis that greater ethnic identity belongingness (EIB) would be associated with lower defeat and entrapment (DE) among Asian American young adults, but that this association might be weakened for those who also identify as queer. Methods: Asian American participants (n = 251; 70% Women; 28% Queer Identifying) completed the Multiethnic Group Identity Measure and the Short Defeat and Entrapment Scale. Results: Greater EIB was associated with lower DE (b = -.325, p = .015) and queer identity was associated with greater DE (b = .42, p = .001), but there was no evidence of moderation. Conclusions & Implications: The findings highlight how a sense of ethnic identity belongingness is effective in reducing the risk of developing feelings of defeat and entrapment regardless of differences in social identities.