Perceived discrimination and impaired mental health in Turkish immigrants and their descendents in Germany

ObjectiveThis study investigates the relationship between different forms of perceived ethnic discrimination, stress, and depressive and somatoform symptoms in Turkish immigrants and their descendents. Moreover, it was tested whether ethnic identification buffers the effect of discrimination on stress.MethodsVariables were assessed via online and paper–pencil questionnaires (e.g., Behaviors from Intergroup Affect and Stereotype Treatment Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire, Perceived Stress Scale) in Turkish immigrants and their descendents (N = 214) from the general population in Germany. Mediation and moderated mediation models were tested.ResultsOpen aggression and discrimination in everyday situations showed large effects on depressive and somatoform symptoms. Also, paternalism showed a large indirect effect on impaired mental health via perceived stress, but only for persons lowly identified with being Turkish.ConclusionThis study reveals the large detrimental effects of different forms of discrimination on mental health in Turkish immigrants. However, a high ethnic identification can act as a buffer against stress.