Figure 3. The observed path model and simple slopes depicting moderation effects.

Observed associations between discrimination frequency, illness severity and number of lasting symptoms, with moderation by discrimination stress are represented in panel A. Standardized coefficients are shown. On all pathways, we controlled for race, cumulative SES risk score, perceived SES score, history of mood/anxiety disorder, history of diabetes/heart disease, COVID-illness life disruption, COVID-illness anxiety, and early versus late illness onset (i.e., peak 1 versus peak 2). A summary of observed moderation effects is provided in panel B, plotting model-estimated standardized simple slopes for all values of discrimination frequency. The x-axis for panel B is discrimination frequency. Discrimination stress moderates the direct effects of discrimination frequency on illness severity and lasting symptoms (left and middle plot). Discrimination stress also moderates the indirect effect of discrimination frequency on lasting symptoms through differential impacts on illness severity (right plot). ^⊥ p < .10, ** p < .01, *** p < .001.