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Arnold TD, Polenick CA, Maust DT, Blow FC. Interpersonal discrimination and depressive symptoms among older Black and African American adults. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304168. [PMID: 38843241 PMCID: PMC11156267 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
To examine the association between recent experiences of discrimination and depressive symptom presentation and severity among a U.S. sample of older Black and African American adults. A cross-sectional survey of 124 Black and African American adults aged 50 and older in the United States was conducted assessing interpersonal discrimination and depressive symptoms. The Perceived Ethnic Discrimination Questionnaire assessed four forms of interpersonal discrimination. A measure of heightened vigilance to bias assessed anticipatory coping with discrimination experiences. Past-month affective and somatic symptoms of depression were assessed using the Depressive and Somatic Symptoms Scale. All forms of interpersonal racial discrimination were positively associated with greater affective symptom severity. Being avoided, devalued, and threatened or actively physically harmed were associated with greater somatic symptom severity. Vigilant coping was positively associated with affective symptom severity but not somatic symptom severity. Racial discrimination is linked to depression severity among older Black and African American and varies by symptom. This study helps inform work on processes linking discrimination with poorer psychological outcomes and will allow for more effective interventions and prevention efforts that are tailored to older minority populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomorrow D. Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Courtney A. Polenick
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Donovan T. Maust
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
| | - Frederic C. Blow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
- VA Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States of America
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AuBuchon KE, Stock ML, Mathur VA, Attey B, Bowleg L. Bystander Acknowledgment Mitigates the Psychological and Physiological Pain of Racial Discrimination for Black Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104560. [PMID: 38735424 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Racism increases pain sensitization and contributes to racialized pain inequities; however research has not tested interventions targeting racism to reduce pain. In this study we examined whether White bystanders can act to mitigate racism's pain sensitizing effects. To simulate racial exclusion in the laboratory, Black young adults (age 18-30; N = 92) were randomly assigned to be included or excluded by White players in a ball-tossing game (Cyberball). For half of excluded participants, White bystanders acknowledged and apologized for the racial exclusion. Participants completed a cold pressor task to assess pain threshold, tolerance, and unpleasantness; and completed a survey assessing psychological needs (i.e., belongingness, self-esteem, meaningful existence, and self-control). Participants who experienced racial exclusion reported significantly more threatened psychological needs and increased laboratory pain sensitization (i.e., lower pain threshold and tolerance) than those who were included. However, when a White bystander acknowledged the racism, excluded participants reported higher levels of self-control, self-esteem, and decreased pain sensitization (pain threshold and tolerance) relative to excluded participants whose experience was not acknowledged. Our findings support that racism increased Black people's pain sensitivity and provide initial evidence for White bystander acknowledgment as a health intervention. PERSPECTIVE: Continual exposure to racism likely contributes to inequities in pain sensitization. We demonstrate that acute exposure to mild racism increases acute pain sensitization. Results suggest that a bystander acknowledging witnessed racism can buffer the acute sensitizing effects of racism on pain, pointing to the potential of interpersonal interventions targeting racism.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle L Stock
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University
| | - Vani A Mathur
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University
| | - Brianna Attey
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University
| | - Lisa Bowleg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University
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3
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Merritt CC, Muscatell KA. Discrimination and Cardiovascular Health in Black Americans: Exploring Inflammation as a Mechanism and Perceived Control as a Protective Factor. Psychosom Med 2024; 86:181-191. [PMID: 38436661 PMCID: PMC11001516 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammation may be an integral physiological mechanism through which discrimination impacts cardiovascular health and contributes to racial health disparities. Limited research has examined psychosocial factors that protect against the negative effects of discrimination on inflammation. Perceived control is a promising possible protective factor, given that it has been shown to moderate the relationship between other psychosocial stressors and physiological outcomes. This study thus tested whether systemic inflammation mediated the link between discrimination and cardiovascular health and whether perceived control moderated this relationship. METHODS Data for this project included 347 non-Hispanic/Latinx Black adults (mean [standard deviation] age = 51.64 [11.24] years; 33% female) taken from the Midlife in the United States study. Perceived control and daily discrimination were assessed via self-report, and inflammation was measured via circulating levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), fibrinogen, and tumor necrosis factor α. Cardiovascular health was measured by morbidity of cardiovascular conditions: heart disease, hypertension, and/or stroke. RESULTS CRP (indirect effect: b = 0.004, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.001-0.007) and fibrinogen (indirect effect: b = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.0003-0.005) mediated the link between discrimination and cardiovascular conditions. Perceived control moderated the relationship between discrimination and CRP ( F (1, 293) = 4.58, Δ R2 = 0.013, b = -0.02, SE = 0.01, p = .033). CRP mediated the link between discrimination and cardiovascular conditions only for those who reported low levels of perceived control (Index = -0.003, 95% CI = -0.007 to -0.0001). CONCLUSION Findings provide empirical evidence of inflammation as a mechanism linking discrimination to cardiovascular conditions among Black Americans. Additionally, perceived control may be protective. Findings could suggest beliefs about control as a potential intervention target to help reduce the negative effects of discrimination on cardiovascular health among Black Americans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrington C. Merritt
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
| | - Keely A. Muscatell
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
- Carolina Population Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
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Post SM, Jobe MC, Malekzadeh AN, AuBuchon KE, Hoffman RK, Stock ML, Bowleg L. Watching the fall of Roe v. Wade: Media exposure relates to U.S. women's alcohol use intentions. PSYCHOLOGY OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIORS 2024; 38:197-204. [PMID: 37676169 PMCID: PMC10918026 DOI: 10.1037/adb0000957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The Supreme Court of the United States' decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in June 2022 overturned Roe v. Wade and ended federal protection of abortion rights. Given the drastic policy changes as a result of the ruling and high exposure to media related to abortion, women opposed to the decision may have experienced distress, which could trigger maladaptive coping strategies, such as alcohol use. The present research examined how consuming abortion-related media in the weeks following the Dobbs decision impacted alcohol use intentions among women of reproductive age residing in the 13 "trigger law" states that immediately restricted abortion access. METHOD A sample of 196 women (Mage = 30.52, SD = 6.9) residing in trigger law states answered questions about abortion-related media consumption, views toward the Dobbs ruling, negative affect, and alcohol use intentions. RESULTS Consuming more abortion-related media predicted higher alcohol use intentions for women who opposed the ruling, but not those who were in favor of abortion restrictions. CONCLUSIONS This timely study provides evidence of how the Dobbs ruling is associated with health ramifications beyond reproduction, yielding insights about how high media exposure to large-scale, distressing events may put those most affected-women of reproductive age in states that enacted new policies restricting abortion access-at risk for alcohol use. Findings highlight an imperative direction for future research as abortion restrictions continue to be spotlighted in U.S. media and state legislatures. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stacy M Post
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University
| | - Mary C Jobe
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University
| | | | - Katarina E AuBuchon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University
| | - Rebecca K Hoffman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University
| | - Michelle L Stock
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University
| | - Lisa Bowleg
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, George Washington University
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Abstract
Research on the effects of stigmatizing on smokers shows that it is stressful to be reminded of one's devalued status and stigmatization might help or hinder quitting intentions. In this study, we asked smokers (N=277) to play an online ball-tossing Cyberball game, ostensibly with non-smoking strangers. Participants were randomly assigned to an ostracism (included or excluded) and concealment (smoking status concealed or revealed) manipulation. We found that exclusion led smokers (directly or via threat appraisals) to be more stressed, cognitively depleted, rejection sensitive, have fewer positive cognitions, see themselves at greater health risk, feel more internalized stigma, and be more interested in quitting, with stronger effects when their smoking status was revealed instead of concealed. These results suggest that concealment is imperfect in protecting against stigma and that exclusion (although stressful and cognitively taxing) can lead to cognitions, attitudes, and intentions helping smokers quit and thus leave their devalued identity. The results do not imply that one ought to stigmatize; stigmatizing smokers might be unethical or create barriers to health-seeking behaviors which could counteract structural efforts to help smokers quit. Future research should examine the role of self-affirmation to increase the effectiveness of health messages perceived as stigmatizing or identity threatening.
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Savell SM, Niguse M, Caluori N, Brown-Iannuzzi JL, Wilson MN, Lemery-Chalfant K, Shaw DS. Cascading Influences of Caregiver Experiences of Discrimination and Adolescent Antisocial Behavior. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38252485 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2024.2301770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Although a growing body of work has found that parents' experiences of racial and socioeconomic (SES) based discrimination are directly related to their children's behavior problems , more work is needed to understand possible pathways by which these factors are related and to identify potential targets for prevention and/or intervention. METHOD Using a large (N = 572), longitudinal sample of low-income families from diverse racial backgrounds, the current study explored whether caregivers' experiences of racial and SES discrimination during their children's middle childhood (i.e. ages 7.5-9.5) predicted youth-reported antisocial behavior during adolescence and potential factors mediating these associations (e.g. caregiver depressive symptoms and positive parenting practices). RESULTS We found that higher levels of caregiver experiences of discrimination at child ages 7.5-9.5 predicted higher levels of caregiver depressive symptoms at child age 10.5, which were related to lower levels of caregiver endorsement of positive parenting practices at child age 14.5, which in turn, predicted higher levels of youth-reported antisocial behavior at age 16. CONCLUSION The findings highlight the adverse effects of racism and discrimination in American society. Second, the findings underscore the need to develop interventions which mitigate racism and discrimination among perpetrators and alleviate depressive symptoms among caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nava Caluori
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia
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Fields S, Arthur K, Schueler J, Smallman R. Using a counterfactual-based intervention to change eating intentions: Results from Hispanic and non-Hispanic undergraduate and community samples. Appetite 2023; 183:106460. [PMID: 36642115 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.106460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Finding ways to improve eating behavior has become a major focus of interventions designed to improve health outcomes. Counterfactual thinking (i.e., mental simulations of how a past outcome could have been different) is a cognitive strategy that has been shown to improve behavior regulation and could be a promising intervention to improve eating behavior. The purpose of the current research was to examine the effect of a counterfactual-based intervention to shift contemplation to change eating behavior, motivation towards eating healthier, and intentions to engage in healthier eating behaviors. Participants in both studies were randomly assigned to either a counterfactual-based intervention or a control condition. In Study 1, those in the counterfactual-based intervention condition reported an increase in readiness to change their eating behavior, higher extrinsic motivation towards eating healthy, and higher intentions to eat healthy compared to those in the control condition. Within the counterfactual condition, individuals who self-identified as Hispanic had higher intentions to use their counterfactual strategies than those who identified as non-Hispanic. Study 2 found similar results using a more diverse community sample. Those in the counterfactual-based intervention condition reported an increase in readiness to change, intentions to eat healthy, and intentions to use their counterfactual strategies, with this effect being stronger for self-identified Hispanic participants. These studies provide initial evidence for the use of a counterfactual-based intervention to improve eating behavior in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sherecce Fields
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, USA.
| | - Kianna Arthur
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, USA
| | - Jordan Schueler
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, USA
| | - Rachel Smallman
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, USA
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Bos HMW, Carone N, Rothblum ED, Koh AS, Gartrell NK. Long-Term Effects of Family Resilience on the Subjective Well-Being of Offspring in the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:5149. [PMID: 36982058 PMCID: PMC10048869 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20065149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The current study used a family resilience approach to investigate why some offspring of sexual minority parents thrive despite homophobic stigmatization while others do not. Specifically, the study explored the role of two specific family functioning mechanisms (i.e., during adolescence, disclosure of offspring's personal life to their parents, and family compatibility) in the association between experienced homophobic stigmatization at age 17 and subjective well-being at age 25, among 71 offspring (37 females and 34 males, all cisgender) of the National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS). The results showed that, overall, the offspring reported healthy subjective well-being as emerging adults. However, among NLLFS offspring with less family compatibility as adolescents, homophobic stigmatization was related to higher scores on negative affect when they were emerging adults. Psychological counseling that supports adolescent-parent communication may help prevent the negative effect of homophobic stigmatization on the subjective well-being of offspring with sexual minority parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henny M. W. Bos
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicola Carone
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Esther D. Rothblum
- Williams Institute, Los Angeles School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Department of Women’s Studies, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA 92182, USA
| | - Audrey S. Koh
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA
| | - Nanette K. Gartrell
- Research Institute of Child Development and Education, Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences, University of Amsterdam, 1012 WX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Williams Institute, Los Angeles School of Law, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Lieberman AG, Stock ML, AuBuchon KE, Beekman JB, Lambert SF. Intersectional discrimination from black women, white women, black men, or white men impacts young adult black women's affective states and risky health cognitions. Psychol Health 2023; 38:1-17. [PMID: 34180327 DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2021.1941962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Black women experience pronounced inequalities in alcohol use and sexual risk outcomes. Racial discrimination is a known contributor to health inequalities. However, Black women face unique and intersectional forms of discrimination beyond racial discrimination. The current study investigates how exclusion from four distinct social groups effects Black women's negative affect and risky health cognitions. DESIGN Black women (N = 124; ages 18-29) were randomly assigned to be excluded in Cyberball by Black women, Black men, White women, or White men. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants responded to measures of internalising (depressive, anxious) and externalising (anger) affect, heavy alcohol use willingness, and risky sex expectations. RESULTS Participants primarily attributed exclusion from White women to racial discrimination, exclusion from Black men to gender discrimination, and exclusion from White men to both gender and racial discrimination. When excluded by White women, participants reported the highest levels of anger, depressive affect, and anxiety. Exclusion by White men predicted the greatest heavy drinking willingness, though exclusion by Black men predicted the greatest risky sex expectations. CONCLUSION This study is the first to demonstrate that exclusion from different social groups leads to differing patterns of negative affect and risky health cognitions in young adult Black women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby G Lieberman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michelle L Stock
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Katarina E AuBuchon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Janine B Beekman
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Sharon F Lambert
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
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Exploring the associations between discrimination, coping, skin tone, and the psychosocial health of young adults of color. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2119587119. [PMID: 36037339 PMCID: PMC9459310 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2119587119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although valuable strides have been made in linking racial and ethnic discrimination to health outcomes, scholars have primarily used between-person methodological approaches, which assess the implications of reporting high or low mean levels of discrimination. Alternatively, within-person approaches assess the implications of intraindividual variation, or acute changes, in an individual's exposure to discrimination. These approaches pose two fundamentally different questions about the association between discrimination and health, and empirical work that disaggregates these effects remains scarce. Scholars have also called for research exploring whether sociocultural factors-such as race-related coping and skin tone-contour these associations. To address gaps in extant literature, the current study examined 1) how an individual's average level of exposure to discrimination (between-person) and weekly fluctuations in these encounters (within-person) relate to psychosocial health and 2) whether race-related coping (confrontational and passive coping) and skin tone moderate these associations. Analyses were conducted using weekly diary data from African American and Latinx young adults (n = 140). Findings indicated that reporting higher mean levels of exposure to discrimination and encountering more discrimination than usual on a given week were both associated with poorer psychosocial health. Results also suggest that the efficacy of young adults' coping mechanisms may depend on their skin tone and the nature of the discriminatory events encountered.
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Hacker N, Haxel C, Flyer J, Hughes Lansing A. Centering Oppression in Research Methodology Toward Developing Interventions to Address Health Inequities. J Pediatr Psychol 2022; 47:870-872. [PMID: 35244180 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsac015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan Hacker
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Vermont, USA
| | - Caitlin Haxel
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, USA
| | - Jonathan Flyer
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Cardiology, The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine, University of Vermont, USA
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Chen S, Mallory AB. The effect of racial discrimination on mental and physical health: A propensity score weighting approach. Soc Sci Med 2021; 285:114308. [PMID: 34399293 PMCID: PMC8451383 DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2021.114308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE The preponderance of research documents the negative consequences of racial discrimination for the mental and physical well-being across several racial/ethnic groups including Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Asian Americans. Despite this large body of research, few studies have attempted to evaluate racial discrimination as a casual factor of worse health among racial minority groups. The current study utilized nationally representative data to estimate the causal effect of racial discrimination on cardiovascular disease (CVD), self-rated physical health (SRH), body mass index (BMI), depression disorder, and substance use disorder. In addition, we examined whether the effect of racial discrimination on health was moderated by socio-demographic characteristics (i.e., age, race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, marital status, geographic location, and health insurance coverage). METHODS Data were from the combined National Survey of American Life and the National Latino and Asian American Study. We applied a propensity score weighting approach to estimate the differences between individuals who reported ever (N = 4358) or never (N = 1836) experiencing racial discrimination on a list of health outcomes (e.g., CVD, SRH, BMI, depression disorder, and substance use disorder). RESULTS Participants who reported ever experiencing racial discrimination were about 5 % higher CVD risk, had 0.12 points lower SRH, a 3 % higher probability of a depression disorder, and a 2 % higher probability of a substance use disorder. Moderation effects by race/ethnicity, sex, socioeconomic status, geographic region, and health insurance coverage were found. CONCLUSION Our study represents one of the first attempts to apply a propensity score weighting approach to causally link racial discrimination to worse health for racial minority individuals. This study adds to a larger body of research documenting the negative association between racial discrimination and health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanting Chen
- Department of Human Development and Family Sciences, University of Texas at Austin, 108 East Dean Keeton Street, Stop A2702, Austin, TX, 78712, United States.
| | - Allen B Mallory
- Human Development and Family Science, The Ohio State University, United States.
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Han SD, Lamar M, Fleischman D, Kim N, Bennett DA, Lewis TT, Arfanakis K, Barnes LL. Self-reported experiences of discrimination in older black adults are associated with insula functional connectivity. Brain Imaging Behav 2021; 15:1718-1727. [PMID: 32720182 PMCID: PMC7854830 DOI: 10.1007/s11682-020-00365-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Self-reported experiences of discrimination are associated with a number of negative health outcomes. However, the neurobiological correlates of discrimination remain elusive. Recent neuroimaging work suggests that the amygdala is sensitive to forms of social adversity and the insula is involved in assessments of trust. We hypothesized that functional connectivity (FC) of these brain regions may be associated with discrimination in older Black adults. One-hundred and twenty-four nondemented older Black adults participating in the Minority Aging Research Study or the Clinical Core study of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center completed a measure of self-reported experiences of discrimination and a 3T MRI brain scan including structural T1 and resting-state fMRI EPIBOLD sequences. The right and left amygdala and insula regions were anatomically delineated as ROIs according to the Harvard-Oxford Brain Atlas and whole-brain voxelwise FC analyses were conducted using default parameters in the CONN toolbox. In regression analyses controlling for demographics and global cognition, self-reported experiences of discrimination were associated with greater FC between the left insula and the bilateral intracalcarine cortex, weaker FC between the left insula and the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and weaker FC between the right insula and the left supplementary motor area. Amygdala analyses yielded no significant findings. Greater self-reported experiences of discrimination are associated with differential insula functional connectivity in older adults. More specifically, results suggest that discrimination is associated with differential connectivity of a key region (the insula) involved in trust perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Duke Han
- Department of Family Medicine, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
- School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089, USA.
| | - Melissa Lamar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Debra Fleischman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Namhee Kim
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - David A Bennett
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Tené T Lewis
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Konstantinos Arfanakis
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Lisa L Barnes
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
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Joseph NT, Peterson LM, Gordon H, Kamarck TW. The double burden of racial discrimination in daily-life moments: Increases in negative emotions and depletion of psychosocial resources among emerging adult African Americans. CULTURAL DIVERSITY & ETHNIC MINORITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 27:234-244. [PMID: 32271044 PMCID: PMC7544613 DOI: 10.1037/cdp0000337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Objective: Racial discrimination is a common experience for African Americans, but no research has examined how discrimination reported in daily-life moments influences concurrent negative emotions and psychosocial resources. Method: Emerging adult African Americans (N = 54) reported hourly on momentary racial discrimination, negative emotions, and psychosocial resources across two days. Results: Controlling for past discrimination and trait emotion, momentary racial discrimination was associated with greater negative emotions and lower psychosocial resources (ps < .05). The relationship between momentary racial discrimination and negative emotions was stronger among individuals residing in areas with fewer African Americans (simple slope p < .0001). The relationship between momentary racial discrimination and psychosocial resources was stronger among individuals reporting greater past discrimination (simple slope p < .0001). Vicarious discrimination (exposure to discrimination experienced by another person) was associated with higher negative emotions (p < .01), but not with psychosocial resources. Conclusion: These results are the first to demonstrate that personal and vicarious racial discrimination are associated with negative emotions and lower coping resources in daily-life moments and that contextual factors modify these associations. Results refine our understanding of the immediate sequelae of discrimination in daily life and point to possible targets for ecological momentary interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thomas W Kamarck
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh
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15
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Racism, stress, and sense of personal control among Aboriginal Australian pregnant women. AUSTRALIAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/ap.12435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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16
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"I Live in This Neighborhood Too, Though": the Psychosocial Effects of Gentrification on Low-Income Black Men Living in Washington, D.C. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2020; 8:1139-1152. [PMID: 32964348 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-020-00870-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 08/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/13/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Gentrification-the process by which middle-class individuals (often White) move into lower-income neighborhoods (often Black), consequently displacing existing residents and changing the neighborhood's social character-is a relatively new and rapid phenomenon in Washington, DC. From 2000 to 2010, DC had the second fastest rate of gentrification in the USA. Gentrification is a major and disproportionate source of disadvantage for low-income Black DC residents. In light of the relative dearth of psychological research focused on gentrification, this study sought to answer the following research questions: What are Black men's experiences with gentrification in DC and how are Black men psychosocially affected by the gentrification of their neighborhoods? Data used in this study were obtained in Fall 2013 via nine semi-structured focus groups from nine DC neighborhood clusters. Participants were 83 self-identified Black men between the ages of 18 and 48 (M = 29.96, SD = 6.90) who reported predominantly low socioeconomic status. Black men's experiences with gentrification in DC included experiencing changing demographics and spaces, being discriminated against by police, blaming the Black community for gentrification and displacement and recognizing the positives of gentrification. Gentrification had negative psychosocial effects on participants, including race-based social exclusion, restricted mobility, reduced social cohesion and sense of community belonging, loss of control, and internalized blame. It is imperative that psychologists and other health professionals recognize and further explore the psychosocial and health consequences of gentrification on longtime Black residents and promote solutions to reduce the stress associated with this understudied driver of racial/ethnic health inequities.
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17
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Lee DB, Anderson RE, Hope MO, Zimmerman MA. Racial discrimination trajectories predicting psychological well-being: From emerging adulthood to adulthood. Dev Psychol 2020; 56:1413-1423. [PMID: 32406704 DOI: 10.1037/dev0000938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Perceived racial discrimination (PRD) has been documented as a risk factor for worse psychological well-being among African Americans. Yet, most researchers have not examined how trajectories of PRD during emerging adulthood shape psychological well-being in adulthood. Moreover, less is known about whether demographic factors and components of racial identity shape PRD over time. We identified trajectories of PRD among 605 African American emerging adults and examined whether PRD trajectories were associated with depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and perceived lack of control in adulthood. Four trajectories of PRD were identified (i.e., high-stable, moderate-declining, low-rising, and low-stable), and demographic factors and racial identity indicators influenced the likelihood of trajectory classification. In addition, members of the moderate-declining trajectory exhibited higher levels of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and perceived lack of control than members in the low-stable trajectory. Our findings suggest that changes in PRD in emerging adulthood can extend our understanding of psychological well-being in adulthood. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).
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18
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Tague AM, Reysen S, Plante C. Belongingness as a mediator of the relationship between felt stigma and identification in fans. The Journal of Social Psychology 2020; 160:324-331. [PMID: 31538534 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2019.1667748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In the present study we examined the relationship between felt stigma and fan group identification as well as potential mediators of this relationship. Fans of various interests (e.g., sport, music) completed measures regarding felt stigma toward the fan group, psychological needs obtained through group membership (e.g., self-esteem, belonging), and identification with the fan community. The results showed that felt stigma predicted fan group identification, and the relationship was mediated by a psychological need for belonging. The results support prior research regarding the association between stigma and identification. However, the results add to the literature by showing belongingness as a mediator of this association.
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19
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Peterson LM, Stock ML, Monroe J, Molloy-Paolillo BK, Lambert SF. Racial exclusion causes acute cortisol release among emerging-adult African Americans: The role of reduced perceived control. The Journal of Social Psychology 2020; 160:658-674. [PMID: 32122284 DOI: 10.1080/00224545.2020.1729685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Racial discrimination contributes to stress-related health disparities among African Americans, but less is known about the acute effects of racial exclusion on the hypo-pituitary-adrenocortical response and psychological mediators. Participants were 276 Black/African American emerging-adults (54% female; M age = 21.74, SD = 2.21) who were randomly assigned to be excluded or included by White peers via the game Cyberball. Racial exclusion (vs. inclusion) predicted: greater negative affect (F(1, 276) = 104.885, p < .0001), lower perceived control (F(1, 276) = 205.523, p < .0001), and greater cortisol release (F(1, 274) = 4.575, p = .033). Racial exclusion's impact on cortisol release was mediated by lower perceived control (95% CI: .027, .112), but not negative affect (-.041, .013). These findings suggest that racial exclusion contributes to acute cortisol release, and that reduced perceived control is a consequence of racial discrimination that has important implications for the health of those who experience discrimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michelle L Stock
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University
| | | | | | - Sharon F Lambert
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University
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20
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Stepanova EV, Echevarria DJ, Collier AD, Cruz CS, Kirkland N, Drobes DJ. Discrimination, Stress and Reactivity to Alcohol Cues. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1521/jscp.2019.38.10.836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Our study investigated whether discrimination affects psychologi-cal/physiological stress and alcohol craving. Method: Participants (N = 92) were asked to recall and write about (a) a neutral, (b) a negative, or (c) a discriminatory experience in the past and then completed a cue-reactivity procedure assessing their alcohol craving. In addition, we assessed levels of perceived stress before and after the discrimination manipulation, chronic substance use and craving, prior perceived discrimination, and strength of racial/ethnic identity. Results: Results revealed a small effect in which the discrimination condition increased alcohol cue-elicited craving relative to the other conditions. Chronic craving moderated effects of discrimination on cortisol levels. Self-reported stress levels were increased in the discrimination and negative memory conditions relative to baseline. Strength of racial identity served as a protective factor for substance abuse in those who reported chronic high levels of discrimination. Discussion: We discussed the direct link established between acute exposure to discrimination and craving, and experimental evidence for the relationship between discrimination and self-reported stress, but also addressed potential limitations of this work. It is further discussed how some individual differences factors (e.g., chronic craving) predict physiological stress in discriminatory settings. This work underscored the role of racial identity as a protective factor against alcohol abuse in individuals reporting high levels of discrimination.
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21
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Hayes L, Pössel P, Roane SJ. Perceived Everyday Discrimination and Depressive Symptoms: Does Cognitive Style Mediate? JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jcad.12291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Hayes
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Louisville
- Now at Department of Counseling, Educational Psychology, and Research, University of Memphis
| | - Patrick Pössel
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Louisville
| | - Sarah J. Roane
- Department of Counseling and Human Development, University of Louisville
- Now at Dartmouth–Hitchcock Medical Center, Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College
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22
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Lim S, Powell TW, Xue QL, Towe VL, Taylor RB, Ellen JM, Sherman SG. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and invariance assessment of the perceived powerlessness scale among youth in Baltimore. J Health Psychol 2018; 25:1644-1656. [PMID: 29637800 DOI: 10.1177/1359105318769349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Generalized perceived powerlessness is an important psychosocial construct that determines a wide range of health behaviors and outcomes. This study has two aims: (1) examine the structure of the newly developed perceived powerlessness scale using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and (2) assess the scale's invariance across key demographic variables using multi-group confirmatory factor analysis among a random household sample of African American and White youth (aged 15-24 years) residing in Baltimore, MD. Our study results demonstrated that the powerlessness scale is valid among a demographically diverse sample of urban youth, showing promise for use in future health behavior and outcome studies.
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23
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Stock ML, Gibbons FX, Beekman JB, Williams KD, Richman LS, Gerrard M. Racial (vs. self) affirmation as a protective mechanism against the effects of racial exclusion on negative affect and substance use vulnerability among black young adults. J Behav Med 2018. [PMID: 28905204 DOI: 10.1007/s10865017-9882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Affirming one's racial identity may help protect against the harmful effects of racial exclusion on substance use cognitions. This study examined whether racial versus self-affirmation (vs. no affirmation) buffers against the effects of racial exclusion on substance use willingness and substance use word associations in Black young adults. It also examined anger as a potential mediator of these effects. After being included, or racially excluded by White peers, participants were assigned to a writing task: self-affirmation, racial-affirmation, or describing their sleep routine (neutral). Racial exclusion predicted greater perceived discrimination and anger. Excluded participants who engaged in racial-affirmation reported reduced perceived discrimination, anger, and fewer substance use cognitions compared to the neutral writing group. This relation between racial-affirmation and lower substance use willingness was mediated by reduced perceived discrimination and anger. Findings suggest racial-affirmation is protective against racial exclusion and, more generally, that ethnic based approaches to minority substance use prevention may have particular potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Stock
- Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, 2125 G St. N.W., Washington, DC, 202-994-2171, USA.
| | | | - Janine B Beekman
- Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, 2125 G St. N.W., Washington, DC, 202-994-2171, USA
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24
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Stock ML, Gibbons FX, Beekman JB, Williams KD, Richman LS, Gerrard M. Racial (vs. self) affirmation as a protective mechanism against the effects of racial exclusion on negative affect and substance use vulnerability among black young adults. J Behav Med 2018; 41:195-207. [PMID: 28905204 PMCID: PMC5844790 DOI: 10.1007/s10865-017-9882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Accepted: 09/05/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Affirming one's racial identity may help protect against the harmful effects of racial exclusion on substance use cognitions. This study examined whether racial versus self-affirmation (vs. no affirmation) buffers against the effects of racial exclusion on substance use willingness and substance use word associations in Black young adults. It also examined anger as a potential mediator of these effects. After being included, or racially excluded by White peers, participants were assigned to a writing task: self-affirmation, racial-affirmation, or describing their sleep routine (neutral). Racial exclusion predicted greater perceived discrimination and anger. Excluded participants who engaged in racial-affirmation reported reduced perceived discrimination, anger, and fewer substance use cognitions compared to the neutral writing group. This relation between racial-affirmation and lower substance use willingness was mediated by reduced perceived discrimination and anger. Findings suggest racial-affirmation is protective against racial exclusion and, more generally, that ethnic based approaches to minority substance use prevention may have particular potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Stock
- Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, 2125 G St. N.W., Washington, DC, 202-994-2171, USA.
| | | | - Janine B Beekman
- Department of Psychology, The George Washington University, 2125 G St. N.W., Washington, DC, 202-994-2171, USA
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