Racial discrimination predicts subjective cognitive decline: Perceived relationship support buffers the association

Recent studies show that chronic exposure to racial discrimination increases the occurrence of subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among Black Americans. Little research, however, has examined potential for protective factors, such as perceived partner support, to buffer these effects.

This study utilized longitudinal data over a 10-year period from the Family and Community Health Study (FACHS) to examine the associations between experiences of racial discrimination, marital status, partner support, and SCD, measured by the Everyday Cognition (ECog) Scale, among 286 middle-aged Black American women. Regression analysis and internal moderator analyses were employed to analyze the data.

About 31% were in married relationships. Thirty-four percent reported cognitive decline, especially in forgetting object locations and dates. Chronic discrimination predicted SCD, and for those in couple relationships, partner support buffered the adverse effects of discrimination, with those in warm and supportive relationships experiencing less SCD than those in relatively unsupportive relationships or not in a relationship.

The study's findings support the idea that racism influences SCD and underscores the importance of supportive couple relationships in promoting resilience. The results also highlight the potential value of culturally relevant family interventions and support strategies to reduce the impact of discrimination-induced stress on cognitive health.