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Intersecting harms: The psychological impact of police harassment
Sonya C Faber1, Ifeoluwa F Olaoluwa1, Monnica T Williams1
1School of Psychology, University of Ottawa.
Abstract:
Racial trauma profoundly affects mental health. This study quantitatively explored the connection between police harassment and racial trauma, by investigating the prevalence and impact of police harassment among university students of color, exploring variations by race, gender, and location. Participants (N = 403) completed validated scales measuring racial trauma Racial Trauma Scale-9, perceptions of police Perceptions of Police Scale, and experiences of police harassment police and law enforcement. Regression analyses examined police harassment as a predictor of racial trauma while controlling for demographic variables and preexisting attitudes about police. Findings revealed significant differences in harassment frequencies across environments. Students reported higher harassment in metropolitan areas compared with campus (p < .001). Nonbinary and multiracial participants experienced the highest harassment levels, with Black and Middle Eastern/North African participants also reporting elevated rates. Regression analysis indicated that police harassment independently predicted racial trauma (p = .004), even after controlling for covariates. Perceptions of police bias correlated with both police harassment (r = 0.21, p < .01) and racial trauma (r = 0.34, p < .01), highlighting the systemic nature of discriminatory practices. These results demonstrate the compounded vulnerabilities experienced by those with marginalized racial and gender identities, reflecting systemic discrimination in law enforcement practices. The findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address racialized policing. Future research should explore the intersections of identity and systemic bias in greater detail, informing policies that promote equity and reduce harm in policing and broader societal contexts. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).
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