Racism-Related Stress and Coping Among 1.5- and Second-Generation Asian Indian Americans.

This article examines the experiences of racism and coping strategies among 1.5- and second-generation Asian Indian Americans (AIAs), highlighting how the model minority stereotype and colonial mentality influence their racial and ethnic identity development. Using qualitative grounded theory analysis of focus group data from 44 participants, the study identifies three main domains: awareness and experiences of racism, psychological impacts, and cognitive and behavioral coping approaches. Findings reveal that both generational groups face individual and systemic racism—including stereotyping, harassment, and exclusion—leading to emotional distress, identity conflicts, and a sense of otherness, with second-generation AIAs often articulating earlier and more explicit experiences of racism. Coping strategies ranged from avoidance and assimilation to seeking community support and confronting racism, with second-generation participants more likely to challenge internalized stereotypes and advocate for solidarity with other marginalized groups. The study underscores the need for culturally informed interventions, intergenerational dialogue within AIA communities, and institutional efforts—particularly in educational settings—to address racism and support the mental health and identity development of AIAs across generations.