ISSN : 2233-6710(Print)
ISSN : 2384-2121(Online)
ISSN : 2384-2121(Online)
Journal of Asia Pacific Counseling Vol.15 No.2 pp.53-72
DOI : https://doi.org/10.18401/2025.15.2.4
DOI : https://doi.org/10.18401/2025.15.2.4
The Lived Experience of Vietnamese Immigrants amidst the Anti-Asian Hate during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Abstract
This study aims to explore the experiences and perceptions of Vietnamese immigrants amidst the anti-Asian hate during the COVID-19 pandemic, employing the interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) qualitative research approach. A sample of 12 foreign-born Vietnamese immigrants ― predominantly male (six participants), along with five females and one nonbinary individual―aged 28 to 55 and residing in the U.S. for six to 43 years, participated in semi-structured individual interviews. The findings revealed six major themes: (a) emotional experiences during the pandemic, (b) losses associated with the pandemic, (c) positive changes resulting from the pandemic, (d) experiences related to anti-Asian hate, (e) coping methods and protective factors, and (f) Asian identity. These themes are discussed, and implications are provided for counseling practice and advocacy efforts to support this marginalized population.