University of Indianapolis faculty and students collaborate to publish groundbreaking study on racial discrimination among Chinese Americans

Indianapolis, Indiana – A significant milestone has been reached in the field of psychology, thanks to the collaborative efforts between faculty and students at the University of Indianapolis. Dr. Hui Zhang and Dr. Matthew Stapleton, both from the School of Psychology, have successfully published their research article in the Journal of Community and Applied Social Psychology. Titled “Navigating Racial Discrimination and Negotiating Place: A Phenomenological Analysis of Chinese Americans’ Conversations With Friends,” the study sheds light on the often-overlooked experiences of second-generation and higher Chinese Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially their encounters with racial discrimination.

The study dives deep into the intersection of place, identity, and racial discrimination, exploring how these factors were co-constructed through conversations with friends. Dr. Zhang explained, “The study examines how second-generation and higher Chinese Americans experienced the places they traveled through and visited during the pandemic, which were co-constructed through friendships. It shows how places once considered ‘home’—like Chinatowns, campuses, or transit systems—became spaces of alienation and danger during the pandemic.”

In this research, the team applied the ethnic identity developmental and integration model to explore the relationship between place and personal identity development. The findings offer a fresh perspective, highlighting how these individuals navigated the dual challenges of racial discrimination and a rapidly changing social environment. “We integrated the phenomenology of place to focus on how meaning-making, physical context, and identity development are intertwined,” Dr. Zhang noted.

The paper also emphasizes the importance of friendships as crucial spaces for mutual empowerment and emotional support, particularly during times of social crisis. By positioning peer-based ethnic socialization as an essential aspect of the Chinese American experience, the study challenges prevailing narratives that overlook the significance of friendship in identity formation. “We were hoping to challenge prevailing narratives that overlook the importance of peer-based ethnic socialization. We were also hoping to depict place as more than just a container and as an existential condition of thriving,” Dr. Zhang explained.

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The team’s research was not just about documenting experiences; it also focused on resilience. As the research team met with the twelve participants who shared their stories, one theme stood out above all: resilience. In response to the challenges posed by the pandemic, these participants found ways to strengthen their communities. They created support groups, organized awareness panels, and developed educational media to foster solidarity and understanding. These actions led to the growth of support networks that helped individuals cope with the emotional and physical toll of the pandemic.

Dr. Zhang expressed admiration for the resilience displayed by the participants. “This community-centered project focuses on the lived experiences of Chinese Americans during the pandemic and how they talked about these experiences with close friends,” he said. “Their conversations helped us understand how place, embodiment, and identity intersect in complex ways for marginalized communities.”

The study’s findings have broader implications for understanding the psychological impact of racial discrimination on marginalized communities, especially in the context of a global health crisis. The study also underscores the critical role of peer relationships in providing support during challenging times.

The success of this project can also be attributed to the invaluable contributions of alumni Jonathan Thang ’22 and Bradley Waggoner ’24, who were instrumental in the research process. Their involvement brought unique insights and perspectives that enriched the study. Dr. Zhang praised the team’s collaboration, saying, “I enjoyed collaborating on this project with Dr. Matthew Stapleton and students Jonathan Thang and Bradley Waggoner. We really appreciate the participants for sharing their powerful stories with us.”

The paper not only addresses the personal stories of racial discrimination but also offers a broader lens on how these experiences shape the social and emotional landscapes of individuals in minority communities. It emphasizes the importance of understanding identity development within the contexts of place and social relationships, particularly when navigating adversity.

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As universities continue to prioritize research that engages with pressing social issues, this study serves as an important example of how academia can contribute to better understanding marginalized communities and their resilience. It is a testament to the power of collaboration between faculty and students in creating research that is not only meaningful but also impactful.

Through this collaborative project, the team at the University of Indianapolis has provided a valuable contribution to the field of community psychology, furthering the conversation on racial discrimination and the power of community support in times of crisis. The study also adds to the growing body of work that highlights the role of place and identity in shaping the experiences of marginalized communities.