Historical Representations and Psychological Distress Among Africans in Europe : The Mediation Role of Perceived Discrimination

Historical representations are central to individuals’ psychological functioning. Empirical advances have demonstrated the link between historical memories and psychological distress. However, research on historical representations and their impact on the psychological functioning of the African people is limited. This study examined the relationship between internalised historical representations (e.g. colonialism and slavery) and psychological distress among Africans, and the mediational role of the perception of discrimination in this relationship. We hypothesised that historical representations relate to psychological distress and that the perception of discrimination mediates this effect. Consistent with our prediction, historical representations were associated with increased psychological distress. In part, the perception of ethnic discrimination explains the relationship between historical representations and psychological distress. This report highlights the effects of historical representations and ethnic discrimination on the psychological distress of Africans living in Europe.