Asian hate during the <scp>COVID</scp> ‐19 pandemic: The role of racial discrimination in Asian Americans' intimate relationships

Abstract Objective This study examined how racial discrimination was related to Asian Americans' coping and adaptive mechanisms in intimate relationships, specifically negative conflict and perceived partner support, and how these dynamics were linked to relationship quality and risk of dissolution. It also explored whether being in an interracial relationship or having a Caucasian partner moderated these associations. Background Asian Americans faced heightened racial discrimination during the COVID‐19 pandemic, yet its impact on relationship functioning remains understudied. Methods The final sample consists of 325 Asian Americans from the National Couples' Health and Time Study, 59.6% identified as men, 78.5% as heterosexual, 64.9% were in interracial relationships, and 59.7% had a Caucasian partner. Results Results from a path model demonstrated that racial discrimination was associated with greater negative conflict and lower perceived partner support, which in turn were linked to lower relationship quality and higher risk of dissolution. Multigroup comparisons indicated neither interracial relationship status nor having a Caucasian partner significantly moderated these associations. Conclusion Racial discrimination was indirectly associated with lower relationship quality and greater relationship risk through conflict and reduced support. Implications Our findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive interventions that address racial discrimination, reduce negative conflict, and foster partner support among Asian Americans during stressful times.