Links between perceived discrimination, stigma consciousness, and sleep quality: The mediating role of negative affect

Discrimination poses great risks to individual and societal health and well-being. This investigation examined how sleep quality is impacted by perceived discrimination (beliefs about being treated unfairly or negatively due to group membership) and stigma consciousness (expectations of being discriminated against based on group identity). We assessed these associations in three studies and participant samples collected during the COVID-19 pandemic: adults in the United States (Study 1), adults in China (Study 2), and Asian/Asian American college students (Study 3). Across all three studies, perceived discrimination was significantly associated with poorer sleep quality, and negative affect (emotional distress) consistently emerged as a mediating mechanism. Additionally, in Study 3, we found that stigma consciousness was similarly associated with poorer sleep quality through experiences of negative affect (emotional distress). This research suggests that interventions targeting perceived discrimination, stigma consciousness, and their negative emotional effects may help improve sleep quality and overall well-being.