Racial Discrimination and Mental Health Inequality in France

The study explores the impact of origin-based discrimination on mental health among immigrants and their descendants in France, addressing a significant gap in the literature. Based on data from the "Trajectories and Origins 2" (TeO2) survey, conducted by INSEE and INED and drawing on Pearlin’s Stress Process Model and Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological Systems Theory, this study tests two main hypotheses: (1) origin-based discrimination is associated with increased depression among immigrants and their descendants in France, and (2) mental health is negatively affected by both personal experiences of discrimination and the perception of belonging to a discriminated group. The dependent variable is self-reported depression, measured by two survey questions assessing depressive symptoms over the past 12 months. Key independent variables include self-reported origin-based discrimination, being the target of racist insults, and identifying as part of a stigmatized group. Logistic regression models are applied to assess the association between these discrimination measures and depression symptoms across different groups based on gender and migrant generation. Logistic regression models preliminary reveal that discrimination significantly increases depression rates, with variations by gender and generation. Racist insults and group-based discrimination also elevate depression risks, particularly for women. Protective factors like higher education, stable relationships, and employment reduce depression, while unemployment, single-parent status, and low socioeconomic status increase it. These findings confirm the hypothesis that both personal and group-based discrimination are associated with adverse mental health effects. By focusing on the French context, this study provides crucial evidence on the mental health inequalities faced by immigrants, complementing existing research from other European nations and the U.S.