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Racism as a stressor for African Americans. A biopsychosocial model.
R Clark1, N B Anderson, V R Clark
1Department of Psychology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48202, USA. rclark@sun.science.wayne.edu
The American Psychologist
|November 30, 1999
Summary
Racism, both interethnic and intraethnic, significantly stresses African Americans, potentially contributing to health disparities. This study proposes a biopsychosocial model to guide future research on perceived racism effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Public Health
- Health Disparities
Background:
- Interethnic and intraethnic group racism are recognized stressors for African Americans.
- These forms of racism may contribute to elevated morbidity and mortality rates within this population.
- Limited research exists on the psychological, social, and physiological impacts of perceived racism.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline a biopsychosocial model for perceived racism.
- To guide future research on the effects of racism among African Americans.
- To synthesize existing literature on conceptualizations and evidence of racism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on the conceptualization of racism.
- Review of research on intergroup and intragroup racism.
- Development of a contextual biopsychosocial model.
Main Results:
- Racism is a significant stressor with potential health implications.
- Existing research on the specific biopsychosocial effects of perceived racism is limited.
- A framework is proposed for systematic investigation.
Conclusions:
- Perceived racism is a critical factor in African American health.
- A biopsychosocial approach is necessary to understand racism's multifaceted effects.
- Further research using the proposed model is recommended to address health disparities.
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