Colorism, Family Support, and Mental Health Among Indian American Emerging Adults

Background and Purpose: Indian Americans represent one of the fastest-growing populations in the United States (U.S.), yet their experiences are often obscured within aggregated Asian American research. Although frequently characterized by high socioeconomic status, this population is diverse and shaped by distinct social and material conditions that influence psychosocial well-being.Within this context, culturally embedded systems, such as colorism and caste, can influence identity, belonging, and experiences of inclusion and exclusion. These dynamics are further reinforced through social institutions, including arranged marriage, where preferences related to skin tone and caste may be reproduced. However, limited research has examined how skin color satisfaction, caste dynamics, and family support jointly shape mental health outcomes among Indian Americans. This study addresses this gap by examining the interplay of these factors in shaping psychological well-being.

Methods: A national sample of 600 Indian American emerging adults (18-25) were surveyed through an online panel administered by BSP Research using opt-in respondent panels. Participants completed validated measures of family functioning, anxiety (GAD-7), depression (PHQ-9), and skin color satisfaction, in addition to demographic questions. Ordinary least squares (OLS) regressions with robust standard errors were estimated separately for the full sample and by gender, examining associations with mental health outcomes and skin color satisfaction.

Results: Approximately 46% of the sample were women. The largest age group was 18-21 years old (43%). Nearly half (46%) held a bachelor’s degree or higher. More than half of the respondents (52%) were foreign-born. In the full sample, higher skin color satisfaction was associated with lower anxiety (𝛽= -0.174, p<.01) and depressive (𝛽= -0.176, p<.05) symptoms. Greater family support was associated with lower anxiety (𝛽= -0.154, p<.01) and depressive (𝛽= -0.198, p<.01) symptoms. Individuals who reported an expectation of arranged marriage but were not part of a caste reported higher depressive symptoms (𝛽= 2.567, p<.01) compared to those with no expectation of arranged marriage and no caste affiliation.

In gender stratified models, among women, greater family support was associated with lower anxiety (𝛽= -0.221, p<.001) and depressive (𝛽= -0.277, p<.001) symptoms. Among males, higher skin color satisfaction was associated with lower anxiety (𝛽= -0.231, p<.001) and depressive (𝛽= -0.235, p<.01) symptoms. In addition, family support was associated with lower anxiety (𝛽= -0.096, p<.001) symptoms. Among males, those who reported an expectation of arranged marriage but were not part of a caste reported higher anxiety (𝛽= 3.532, p<.001) and depressive (𝛽= 4.363, p<.001) symptoms.

Conclusion: Findings highlight the significant role of skin color satisfaction and family support in shaping mental health among Indian Americans. The intersection of arranged marriage expectations and caste dynamics was associated with poorer mental health outcomes among males. These results underscore the need for more nuanced and culturally responsive research and interventions that account for within-group diversity.