THE EFFECTS OF RACISM-RELATED STRESS ON THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL WELL-BEING OF NON-WHITES

This paper examines the negative psychological and physiological effects that accompany one’s perception of racism. Perceived racism is discussed as a significant stressor that has the potential to negatively impact one’s well-being. Racism-related stress is presented as the etiological basis for dysfunction, and a discussion of stress responses is offered to include psychological distress, poor coping strategies, and psychosomatization. Racism has plagued this country since its inception and continues to be one of the greatest problems our society faces. The non-white population in America has continually been subjected to individual and institutional forms of racism despite the efforts of civil rights groups and political leaders to eliminate discrimination in all its forms. The views and opinions of entire groups of people are disregarded as a result of racial discrimination, which stifles America’s progress and places countless individuals in a position of hopeless discontent. Social inequality is most often the topic of conversation whenever one considers the destructive nature of racism, however one must also consider the negative effects racism has on an individual’s physical and mental well-being. Wide spread racism has a negative effect on the psychological and physiological health of non-whites. It is necessary to discuss the etiological model that research has employed to explain the effects of racism-related stress on one’s psychological and physiological well-being. Research has shown that