Date of Award
2018
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelors
Department
Social Sciences
First Advisor
Graham, Steven
Area of Concentration
Biopsychology
Abstract
This paper reviews the literature on the short and long term effects of perceived racial discrimination on the mental and physical health of Black Americans. I discuss the existing literature which establishes racism as a form of psychosocial stress, and address the psychological coping mechanisms associated with perceived discrimination. I discuss the neuroendocrine processes of the stress response and discuss the role of environment in the stress response, and link certain health detriments to prolonged exposure to stress. I view racism in a historical context to make connections between the trauma of slavery and lingering disparities in health and environment Black people experience in comparison to other racial groups. Finally, I discuss the protective properties Black people employ to cope with institutional and interpersonal racial discrimination.
Recommended Citation
Bennett, Jada, "THE EFFECTS OF REPEATED RACIAL DISCRIMINATION ON THE MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELLBEING OF BLACK AMERICANS" (2018). Theses & ETDs. 5475.
https://digitalcommons.ncf.edu/theses_etds/5475