Because of the recent surge in anti-Asian hate — to which older adults are particularly vulnerable — and the limited understanding around perceptions of mental health service use in the context of this surge, the authors examine mental health services intended to help victims of anti-Asian hate incidents among older Asian American adults — and specifically older Chinese and Chinese American adults — in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Society Needs to Know How We Feel"

Understanding Anti-Asian Hate Experiences and Service Barriers Among Chinese Older Adults in Los Angeles County, California

Lu Dong, Stacey Yi, Jennifer Bouey, Eunice C. Wong

ResearchPublished Nov 26, 2024

In response to the increase in anti-Asian hate, the California State Legislature allocated $110 million in 2021 over three years to fund its Stop the Hate Program, which supports community-based organizations (CBOs) that offer direct services to victims and survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes, as well as prevention and intervention services to combat hate within communities in California. Although this funding was not limited to the Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, California's Stop the Hate Program was nevertheless a first-of-its-kind investment in AAPI communities throughout the state and is a significant move toward achieving equity for all residents of the state. With Stop the Hate funding, CBOs provide wide-ranging programs and services, including prevention and direct services, to community members who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing acts of hate.

This report examines direct services provided to victims of hate and their families. RAND's community partner in this study, the Chinatown Service Center (CSC), is particularly concerned about older Chinese and Chinese American adults who are not using their Stop the Hate mental health services. Because of the surge in anti-Asian hate — to which older adults are particularly vulnerable — and the limited understanding around perceptions of mental health service use in the context of this surge, the authors focus on mental health services intended to help victims of anti-Asian hate incidents among older Asian American adults — and specifically older Chinese and Chinese American adults — in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Findings

  • There is widespread experience of anti-Asian hate. 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.

Recommendations

  • CBOs can reduce stigma around help-seeking, increase accessibility through in-language services, and provide culturally tailored, trauma-informed services.
  • Even though COVID-19 prompted a one-time investment in AAPI 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.
  • Policy can address the establishment of "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.
  • Educational programs in schools and communities should be implemented 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.

Topics

Document Details

Citation

RAND Style Manual

Dong, Lu, Stacey Yi, Jennifer Bouey, and Eunice C. Wong, "Society Needs to Know How We Feel": Understanding Anti-Asian Hate Experiences and Service Barriers Among Chinese Older Adults in Los Angeles County, California, RAND Corporation, RR-A3422-1, 2024. As of April 8, 2025: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3422-1.html

Chicago Manual of Style

Dong, Lu, Stacey Yi, Jennifer Bouey, and Eunice C. Wong, "Society Needs to Know How We Feel": Understanding Anti-Asian Hate Experiences and Service Barriers Among Chinese Older Adults in Los Angeles County, California. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2024. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3422-1.html.
BibTeX RIS

Research conducted by

The research described in this report was funded by the Chinatown Service Center and conducted in the Social and Behavioral Policy Program within RAND Social and Economic Well-Being.

This publication is part of the RAND research report series. Research reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. All RAND research reports undergo rigorous peer review to ensure high standards for research quality and objectivity.

This document and trademark(s) contained herein are protected by law. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions.

RAND is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors.