(PS6-D92) Associations Between Experiences of Discrimination and Engagement in Values-based Living

Introduction: The deleterious effects of discrimination experienced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) have been well documented (Carter et al., 2017). A growing body of research has explored various constructs that may serve as a buffer against these harmful effects. Notably, values-based living has been associated with positive mental health outcomes in the context of discrimination (Graham et al., 2015; Wilson & Murrell, 2004). While values-based living can promote well-being, the very experience of discrimination may impede an individual’s ability to engage in such behaviors. Navigating oppressive symptoms takes considerable energy and resources and can threaten an individual’s safety. These experiences may lead to avoidance of typically valued activities. However, limited research has considered experiences of discrimination as a barrier to values-based living. Thus, the present study explored the associations between racial discrimination and engagement in values-based living.

Methods: Participants were 348 BIPOC college students, 67.3% female, with a mean age of 22.15 (SD = 5.65).  Students were from diverse backgrounds (1.4% Native American, 27.9% Asian, 38.8% Black, 27.0% Latinx, 2.6% Middle Eastern/North African, .6% Pacific Islander, 27.2%, 3.7% Multiracial/Multiethnic). Participants were surveyed on experiences of discrimination over the past semester (using the General Ethnic Discrimination Scale) and values-based living overall (using the Engaged Living Scale). Multiple regression analyses were used to explore associations between discrimination and values-based living when controlling for age and gender.

Results: Students in our sample reported experiencing relatively low rates of discrimination over the past semester (M = 34.68, SD = 19.08) and high rates of values-based living (M = 3.85, SD = .85). Results revealed that experiences of discrimination over the course of a semester were significantly and negatively associated with engagement in valued-living (β = -.01, p =.01).

Discussion: Findings provide preliminary evidence that the experience of discrimination may serve as a barrier to engagement in values-based living for BIPOC individuals. Future research is needed to fully explicate a causal relationship between discrimination and reduced engagement in values-based living. More generally, the field must consider ways in which discrimination may preclude an individual from accessing otherwise helpful therapeutic practices and interventions. Efforts should focus on dismantling racist and oppressive systems that harm marginalized peoples and create and uphold barriers to care.