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The Intergroup Time Bias and Its Implications for Medical Healthcare
Emerson Araújo Do Bú1, Renata Pimentel da Silva2, Cicero Roberto Pereira1
1Institute of Social Sciences, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal.
The Journal of Social Issues
|October 3, 2025
Summary
Intergroup Time Bias (ITB) leads to racial healthcare disparities. White physicians and trainees spent more time with White patients, impacting care quality and communication, especially for those with implicit racial bias.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Health Disparities Research
- Medical Education
Background:
- Intergroup Time Bias (ITB) is a subtle discrimination where White individuals receive more time than Black individuals.
- This bias contributes to significant racial inequities in critical social domains, particularly healthcare.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the pervasive role of ITB in contributing to racial healthcare disparities.
- To examine the impact of ITB on clinical interactions, diagnostic accuracy, and patient communication.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted: observational clinical interactions in Brazil (N=166 patients, N=9 physicians) and two vignette studies in Portugal (N=210 and N=99 medical trainees).
- These studies analyzed time allocation, diagnostic accuracy, clinical recommendations, and written communication quality based on patient race.
Main Results:
- White physicians spent more time with White patients than Black patients.
- Medical trainees allocated more time to tasks involving White patients, leading to better diagnostic accuracy and communication for them.
- Aversive racists (high implicit, low explicit bias) exhibited stronger ITB.
Conclusions:
- ITB is a significant factor driving racial healthcare disparities.
- Understanding ITB is crucial for addressing inequities in patient care.
- Further research is needed to explore ITB manifestations and develop interventions.
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