"Society Needs to Know How We Feel": Understanding Anti-Asian Hate Experiences and Service Barriers Among Chinese Older Adults in Los Angeles County, California

Key Findings

In this study, we came to the following conclusions about the experience of anti-Asian hate and the service use of Chinese and Chinese American older adults:

• There is widespread experience of anti-Asian hate. We conducted interviews with older Chinese and Chinese American individuals in Los Angeles County, California. Nearly all participants reported experiencing anti-Asian hate incidents, and many faced direct encounters involving physical assault and verbal harassment. These experiences lead to psychological distress and increased vigilance in public spaces.
• The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), racial stereotypes, and internalized racism have affected anti-Asian hate. Participants attribute the rise in anti-Asian hate to inflammatory rhetoric surrounding COVID-19 and deep-seated racial stereotypes, such as the “perpetual foreigner” and “model minority” myths, which have deepened biases toward the Chinese and Chinese American community. Some participants have internalized these stereotypes, blaming themselves or other Chinese and Chinese Americans for perceived behavioral shortcomings. This internalization fosters a reluctance to seek help.
• There are significant barriers to service use. Participants identified multiple barriers to accessing services, especially mental health services designed to aid victims of anti-Asian hate incidents or crimes. These include language limitations, transportation difficulties, and cultural stigma surrounding mental health. A general lack of awareness about the specifics of available services and their intended beneficiaries exacerbates these barriers.
• Stronger community support and empowerment are needed. Respondents expressed a strong desire for more-robust community support networks and services that align with their cultural values and realities. Recommendations for improving service use include increasing in-language support, enhancing the physical and cultural accessibility of services, and leveraging community engagement to empower individuals to speak out against discrimination and seek help.

Service Provision Recommendations to Community-Based Organizations

Community-based organizations (CBOs) can better address the needs of older Asian and Asian American adults who have experienced anti-Asian hate through the following:

• Community-based outreach to reduce stigma. CBOs should implement educational programs to community members that reduce stigma around seeking help, provide detailed information about services, and foster community unity through relatable storytelling and outreach efforts.
• Increased accessibility through in-language services. Ensure that services are available in major Chinese dialects and address logistical barriers by offering services in accessible community-centered locations or through home visits, coupled with culturally resonant campaigns to shift perceptions about mental health.
• Culturally tailored, trauma-informed services. Integrate trauma-informed practices and traditional cultural values into mental health services to enhance their relevance and effectiveness.

Policy Recommendations

Policy can address barriers to service access by supporting the following:

• Sustainable funding for ethnic CBOs. Even though COVID-19 prompted a one-time investment in Asian American and Pacific Islander CBO capacity, continuous financial support for ethnic CBOs to provide in-language services and community assistance will be necessary to fight racism. This support should also facilitate service evaluation and capacity building.
• A “service home” model for coordination and support. Establish “service homes” for community members in need. A “home” model can better coordinate various support services needed, improving access to tailored assistance for individuals and families affected by anti-Asian hate.
• Public awareness and education initiatives. Implement educational programs in schools and communities to promote a nuanced understanding of Asian American history and contributions. Develop curricula and initiate public campaigns to dismantle stereotypes and foster a broader societal understanding of Asian American roles.