Discrimination affects both physical health and relationships in Black families

Research by the Attached team, led by Dr. Jacob Priest, as well as Dr. Shardé McNeil Smith at the University of Illinois, was recently spotlighted by the American Psychological Association. This study, published in the Journal of Family Psychology, explores how the quality of family relationships is linked to physical health via mental health for African American midlife adults, and whether the effects of daily and lifetime discrimination spill over to impact these pathways.

“This study adds to the growing evidence demonstrating that experiencing discrimination can have harmful effects on the individual mental and physical health of Black Americans through the effect of discrimination on family relationships. Given the systemic and daily experiences of racial discrimination that Black Americans face, it is necessary to find responsive ways to reduce health disparities among Black families by enacting policies and practices that combat racial discrimination and anti-Black racism. This necessary next step should include improving access to culturally responsive couple and family therapy through changes in healthcare training and policy.”

Link here: apa.org/pubs/highlights/spotlight/issue-188