The neurophysiological consequences of racism-related stressors in Black Americans

• Published in: Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews 2024-06, Vol.161, p.105638, Article 105638
• Main Authors: Webb, E. Kate, Carter, Sierra E., Ressler, Kerry J., Fani, Negar, Harnett, Nathaniel G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Black or African American - ethnology; Brain - diagnostic imaging; Brain - physiopathology; Health inequities; Humans; Neurobiology of stress; Psychiatric disorders; Racism; Stress, Psychological - ethnology; Stress, Psychological - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0149-7634; 1873-7528; 1873-7528
• DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105638

Racism-related stressors, from experiences of both implicit and explicit racial discrimination to systemic socioeconomic disadvantage, have a cumulative impact on Black Americans’ health. The present narrative review synthesizes peripheral (neuroendocrine and inflammation markers), psychophysiological (heart-rate variability, skin conductance), and neuroimaging (structural and functional) findings that demonstrate unique associations with racism-related stress. Emerging evidence reveals how racism-related stressors contribute to differential physiological and neural responses and may have distinct impacts on regions involved with threat and social processing. Ultimately, the neurophysiological effects of racism-related stress may confer biological susceptibility to stress and trauma-related disorders. We note critical gaps in the literature on the neurophysiological impact of racism-related stress and outline additional research that is needed on the multifactorial interactions between racism and mental health. A clearer understanding of the interactions between racism-related stress, neurophysiology, and stress- and trauma-related disorders is critical for preventative efforts, biomarker discovery, and selection of effective clinical treatments for Black Americans. •Racism-related stressors disproportionately impact Black Americans.•Exposure to racism may confer susceptibility to stress and trauma-related disorders.•Racism alters key neurophysiological circuits that modulate stress responding.•Neural circuits involved in threat and social processing may be most impacted.•Findings may help narrow health inequities by informing prevention and treatment.