The above review found that experiencing racism has associations with poor mental health and, to a lesser extent, poor physical health.

The sections below will detail the conclusions of this review, as well as those of other studies. Learn more about structural racism in medicine here.Ī 2015 systematic review collated the results of almost 300 studies to examine how racism affects the physical and mental health of Asian American, African American, and Latinx American people. This can result in worse access to employment, education, and medical care. Individual-level discrimination: Where individuals or companies discriminate against racial groups, whether intentionally or without intent.This can create communities of concentrated poverty with worse housing and environmental conditions.

For example, racist stereotypes can influence the housing decisions of White property owners and lead to racial segregation in neighborhoods.

Cultural racism: The spread of the ideology that certain groups are inferior through language, values, media, and symbols.

For example, structural racism in the criminal justice system can lead to poorer health outcomes.

Structural or institutional racism: The processes of racism embedded in policies, laws, and societal practices that give advantages to racial groups deemed superior, while racial groups deemed inferior are disadvantaged.

It found that people can experience health inequality through: The above research review examined evidence linking mental and physical health outcomes to three key mechanisms of racism.

cortisol dysregulation (a hormone that regulates stress levels in the body).

mental health disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, eating disorders, and psychosis).

These stark disparities have driven interest and research into how racism may affect people’s physical and mental health.Ī 2019 research review found positive associations between reports of racial discrimination and many physical and mental health conditions, as well as preclinical indicators for disease.

Share on Pinterest An illustration by Jeremiah McNair.Īccording to the CDC, racial and ethnic minority populations experience higher levels of poor health and disease across various conditions when compared with their White counterparts.

To have an effect on someone