Discrimination, trust, and well-being: dual risk-and-resilience pathways among African immigrants in 29 European countries
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background First-generation adults born in African countries and living in Europe are under-represented in population health research. We examined links between perceived discrimination, social exclusion, and subjective well-being (SWB), and whether social trust mediates these associations, distinguishing bridging (generalised) from bonding dynamics. Methods We analysed cross-sectional data from 524 African-born adults in 29 European countries (ESS Round 11, 2023/24) using structural equation modelling to estimate direct and bootstrapped (10,000) indirect paths, adjusting for age, gender, marital status, and length of residence. Model fit was excellent: χ 2 (4) = 5.524, p = .238, CFI = .997, TLI = .971, RMSEA = .027 (90% CI [.000,.076]). Exclusion–discrimination covariance was negligible (estimate=.002, p =.938). Results Discrimination was negatively associated with SWB (β=−0.33, p =.01) and with trust (β=−0.22, p =.03). Trust was positively associated with SWB (β=0.25, p =.01; f 2 =0.10). The discrimination→SWB indirect path via trust was small but significant (β=−0.06, p =.04). Social exclusion showed no direct association with SWB (β=0.02, p =.29) but a small, positive indirect path via trust (β=0.04, p =.01), consistent with bonding processes. Discrimination explained 3% of SWB variance (R 2 =.03); trust variance explained was 13% (R 2 =.13). Covariates were generally non-significant; age showed borderline evidence of a positive association with SWB (β=0.14, p =.05). Conclusions Findings suggest discrimination is associated with lower (bridging) trust and poorer well-being. In contrast, social exclusion is associated with a small, trust-mediated (bonding) pathway without a direct SWB benefit. Given the cross-sectional design and absence of race/skin-colour measures in ESS, implications are illustrative: reducing discriminatory experiences and co-designing initiatives that foster intercultural contact (bridging) and community solidarity (bonding) may align with better well-being, pending longitudinal and quasi-experimental confirmation.
Source: SSM - Population Health
Authors: Lawrence E. Ugwu, Wojujutari Kenni Ajele, Erhabor Sunday Idemudia
Institution: North-West University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,930
OpenAlex ID: W4416229148