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Racial discrimination and cortisol output: A meta-analysis.
Kevin M Korous1, José M Causadias1, Deborah M Casper2
1T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, 850 South Cady Mall, Tempe, AZ 85281, USA.
Racial discrimination shows a complex association with cortisol output. Experimental study designs reveal a stronger link than non-experimental ones, highlighting methodological importance for future research on stress and health.
Area of Science:
- Psychoneuroendocrinology
- Health Disparities Research
- Social Determinants of Health
Background:
- The relationship between stress and physiological responses is established, but the specific link between racial discrimination and cortisol output remains unclear.
- Previous studies have yielded inconsistent results, potentially due to variations in sample demographics, discrimination measures, and research designs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis estimating the overall association between racial discrimination and cortisol output in racial/ethnic minority individuals.
- To investigate potential moderators of this association, including age, race/ethnicity, discrimination measure type, sex, and research design.
Main Methods:
- A random effects model was employed to synthesize data from 16 studies, encompassing 1506 participants.
- Effect sizes were calculated and analyzed to determine the overall association and identify moderating factors.
- Study characteristics, such as publication status and geographical location, were also considered.
Main Results:
- The overall effect size (r¯) for the association between racial discrimination and cortisol output was 0.040 (95% CI: -0.038 to 0.117), indicating a small, non-significant overall effect.
- Experimental studies demonstrated a significantly larger effect size (r¯ = 0.267) compared to non-experimental studies (r¯ = -0.007).
- No significant moderation was found for age, race/ethnicity, type of discrimination measure, or sex.
Conclusions:
- The measurement of the association between racial discrimination and cortisol output is complex and influenced by study methodology.
- Experimental designs appear more sensitive in detecting the physiological impact of racial discrimination on cortisol levels.
- Findings offer insights into methodological considerations for future research on stress, discrimination, and health outcomes.
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