June 16th 2024.
A recent study, published by JAMA Network Open, has uncovered the damaging effects of racial discrimination on Black adolescents. The study, released during the week of June 9, delved into the long-term consequences of racism. Led by researchers from the University of Georgia, the study examined how Black adolescents process the trauma of discrimination, as reported by The Washington Post.
Assaf Oshri, the lead author of the study, took into account the various aspects of child development and the detrimental thought patterns that arise from experiencing racism. Oshri and his team analyzed data from over 1,500 participants over a span of three years. "We are aware that discriminatory experiences can lead to negative health outcomes," Oshri stated. "What our study reveals is that while some brain patterns attempt to cope with these experiences, there is an emotional toll that cannot be ignored."
In order to understand the emotional impact, the researchers focused on the amygdala, the part of the brain responsible for emotions. They observed how Black youth responded to racist threats and also took into consideration self-reported surveys from those who had experienced racial discrimination. The results showed that these individuals reported feeling more scared, anxious, and depressed.
Oshri and his team also identified the different symptoms that arose in response to stressors in the environment. They found that there was a correlation between those who experienced more instances of racism and those who displayed internalizing and externalizing symptoms, such as anxiety and depression.
Furthermore, the researchers discovered that 1 in every 5 participants had a particular response from their amygdala, which could be a sign of avoidant coping. Oshri explained, "This finding has significant implications. It shows that discriminatory experiences are not only harming our children, but also their development."
Ryan DeLapp, another researcher involved in the study, emphasized the importance of using biological data to support the lived experiences of individuals who have faced racism for decades. He stated, "These studies are crucial in addition to the personal accounts of those who have lived through these experiences."
However, the study also revealed a glimmer of hope. The researchers found that practicing mindfulness exercises can help protect the brain from the harmful effects of these formative experiences. This highlights the importance of addressing and mitigating the impact of racism on Black adolescents.
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