New Study Uncovers Lasting Harm of Racial Discrimination on Black Teens.
The results revealed that racial discrimination can heighten the risk of depression and anxiety.
A new study published by JAMA Network Open reveals that racial discrimination may increase the risk of depression and anxiety among Black adolescents.
Researchers at the University of Georgia conducted the study, examining how Black adolescents process the traumas of discrimination, as reported by The Washington Post.
Lead author Assaf Oshri explored the connections between child development, harmful cognition patterns, and racist experiences. Over three years, Oshri and his team analyzed data from more than 1,500 participants.
“We know that discriminatory experiences are linked to various negative health outcomes,” said Oshri. “This study shows that certain brain patterns involved in processing threats can help individuals cope with these experiences, but there may be an emotional cost.”
The researchers focused on the amygdala, the brain’s emotional center, to assess Black youths’ responses to racist threats. In addition to MRI responses, they analyzed self-reported surveys from Black adolescents who had encountered racial discrimination. These adolescents reported feeling more “scared or anxious, or sad or depressed.”
Oshri and his team identified both internalizing and externalizing symptoms in response to environmental stressors.
Oshri discovered a correlation between the amygdala shutting down in response to negative stimuli and an increase in internalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, particularly among youths who experienced more instances of racism.
This specific amygdala response, found in 1 out of every 5 participants, may indicate avoidant coping. “There are significant implications,” Oshri said. “Discriminatory experiences are harming our children and their development.”
Ryan DeLapp, another researcher, concurred, stating, “Examining biological data can further validate what has been known for decades: individuals are significantly impacted by these experiences.” DeLapp emphasized that personal anecdotes are also necessary alongside such studies.
The researchers discovered that mindfulness exercises can help shield the brain from these harmful formative experiences.
