Discrimination, Coping, and Social Exclusion among African Immigrants in the United States: A Moderation Analysis

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined coping strategies as moderators of the relationship between perceived discrimination and social exclusion among African immigrants in the United States (N = 409). Moderation models using path analyses were conducted to examine the moderating effects of three coping strategies (active coping, use of instrumental support, and religious coping) on the relationship between discrimination and four dimensions of social exclusion: (1) material deprivation, (2) limited access to basic social rights, (3) limited social participation, and (4) insufficient cultural integration. Increases in perceived discrimination were associated with increased social exclusion on all four dimensions. Increased use of active coping was found to weaken the positive relationship between perceived discrimination and material deprivation and between discrimination and limited social participation. Use of instrumental support also buffered the negative effects of discrimination on limited social participation. Recommendations for practice and future research are presented.