Dual-Identity Development, Discomfort in Racial/Ethnic Community, and Well-Being of Asian American Sexual Minorities

Asian American sexual minorities navigate dual-identity development involving race and sexuality while at risk of marginalization from racial/ethnic communities that are important sources of support. The authors investigated the indirect effect of discomfort in racial/ethnic community on self-reported health through low positive affect in Asian American sexual minority adults and differences between those who reached dual-identity importance and those who had not. Low positive affect partially mediated the direct effect. Multigroup mediation analysis showed the indirect effect was only significant for those reporting both identities as important. Counselors need to address community impact on Asian American sexual minorities’ well-being.