Community Diversity Climate Impact on the Well-Being of Asian Americans Amid Anti-Asian Sentiment During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Two-Way Symmetrical Communication by Local Governments

Abstract

Integrating the literature from public relations, community psychology, and minority stress theory, this study proposes and tests a model that describes the mechanism by which local governments’ two-way symmetrical communication practices may affect local Asian Americans’ experiences amid anti-Asian sentiment during the COVID-19 pandemic. The results of an online survey of 400 Asian Americans living in the United States indicated that local governments’ two-way symmetrical communication practices with respect to diversity acceptance helped establish a community diversity climate. Such a perception lowered the target group’s perceived stigma consciousness and fear of discrimination, which are the two main proximal stressors affecting minority members’ emotions and well-being. Theoretical and practical implications on public relations and governmental communication are discussed.