Ann Arbor Times

Asian Americans are often stereotyped as quiet and passive, but a new study from the University of Michigan challenges this perception. The research explores how Asian Americans cope with discrimination, revealing a variety of strategies that directly confront harm and affirm identity.

The study found that contrary to earlier findings suggesting reliance on avoidance strategies like suppression or withdrawal, approach coping strategies are common and often seen as more effective by participants. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, racial discrimination against Asian Americans has increased. Through in-depth interviews with 32 Asian American adults across the United States, the study highlights experiences ranging from verbal harassment to subtle bias and microaggressions.

Participants employed two major categories of coping strategies: approach and avoidance. Approach coping includes confronting perpetrators, seeking support, reflecting on experiences, and reinforcing ethnic or racial identity. New forms of approach coping were identified, such as using silence strategically to provoke reflection on discriminatory behaviors and engaging with ethnic identity in affirming ways.

Avoidance coping involves staying silent to avoid conflict or minimizing incidents to reduce distress. Some participants feared retaliation amid rising anti-Asian hate incidents. Several who stayed silent later regretted it, wishing they had spoken up to assert themselves and make racism more visible. Others who confronted perpetrators expressed ambivalence about whether a less direct response might have been more effective.

The study broadens understanding of "seeking support." Participants turned to various sources—not just family or friends but also co-workers, affinity groups, non-Asian people of color, and online communities. Belonging to the same ethnic group was not always crucial for effective support.

“This suggests that perceptions of effective support depend on shared social context and identity,” said co-author Ashley Ke.

Participants described their racial and ethnic identity as a source of action and resilience. Identity was protected, enriched, and redefined when threatened. Some emphasized positive meanings of their identity or deepened understanding through cultural practices.

“In fact, participants did the opposite,” said co-author Mari Kira. “Discrimination appeared to intensify their motivation to connect with their identity.”

The findings challenge assumptions about how Asian Americans cope with racism and highlight gaps in existing psychological frameworks. Strategic silence used by some participants has rarely been captured in traditional models.

“Our findings suggest that existing coping frameworks may overlook culturally specific strategies,” said co-author Fiona Lee.