Face concern: Its role on stress–distress relationships among Chinese Americans

This study examined the effects of face concern and social support on stress–distress relationships, after controlling for preexisting distress and demographic characteristics in a stratified community sample of Chinese Americans (n = 1503). Emotional support and instrumental support from family and friends were found to significantly predict psychological distress among Chinese Americans in addition to face-related daily hassles and financial strain. Face concern emerged as an important contributing factor above and beyond social support and stress variables although no interaction effect between face and face-related stressors was found. Testing this culturally salient variable has furthered our understanding of the stress–distress experiences of Chinese Americans and provided important implications for cultural dynamics in social relationships.