Minutes

Sadeh, Naomi, Stumps, Anna, & Huerta, Wendy (2025). Cognitive-affective factors linking discrimination experiences with psychopathology and risky health behaviors. Journal of Affective Disorders, 373, 80–87. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2024.12.073

Can discrimination affect mental health? For how long after a past incident?

 U.S. psychologists examined whether experiences of discrimination are linked to emotional problems and risky behaviors. 

A diverse sample of 250 adults with elevated rates of trauma exposure and mental health concerns was selected. They completed measures of experiences of discrimination, emotional regulation, stress, impulsivity, symptoms of psychopathology, and recent risky health behaviors.  

Results showed that people who report more frequent discrimination also report higher levels of depression, anxiety, stress, and risky behaviors. Discrimination is linked to greater difficulty managing emotions, higher perceived stress, stronger emotional impulsivity, and poorer mental health outcomes. 

Discrimination does not affect mental health only through major life events. Instead, repeated everyday experiences may gradually disrupt emotional control and increase psychological distress. Researchers even determined that discrimination predicts mental health problems even after accounting for past trauma exposure. 

Daily experiences of unfair treatment can have real psychological consequences. How can government, schools, and communities encourage acceptance of cultural, racial, and gender uniqueness and appreciation of everyone’s contributions? Reducing discrimination plays an important role in protecting everyone’s mental health and well-being. 

Written by Dan Peacock B.S.