Project Update: Racism in Health: The Correlation Between Racism-event Categorization and # of Bodily Sensations P's Reported

Research Description:

The Impact of Racism on Health study will use script-driven imagery—in which Black-identifying participants, between the ages 18-65, account specific and personal experiences with racial discrimination— and physiological equipment, such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and skin conductance monitors, to assess how the sympathetic nervous systems (SNS) and parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) respond to the recount of racist experiences. 

Participants also report the number of bodily sensations they’ve experienced when recounting personal events. For the purpose of this study, these sensations, along with the categorization of racism-related scripts, will be examined to assess a correlation between bodily sensations and the different categories of racism each the script falls into. The study ultimately aims to shed light on the significance of racism and racial discrimination in the overall health and well-being of Black Americans and the perpetuation of racial health disparities. 

Stakeholders and Contributors:

This study will involve members of the Tufts community including but not limited to: members of the Psychology Department, Professors Lisa Shin, who has used script-driven imagery with trauma survivors in the past; Sam Sommers, with expertise on race and racial discrimination; assistant professor Adolfo Cuevas from the Community Health department, with expertise in race, stress, and health outcomes; assistant professor Felipe Dias from the Sociology department, with expertise in expertise in social stratification and discrimination; and, research assistant professor Jasmine Mote who has expertise in emotion, mental health, and social connection.

Potential Impact of Findings:

The findings of this research will not only fill a gap in existing research on the impact of racism on health but will contribute to the overall discourse on racial health disparities by establishing a more profound correlation between racism and adverse health outcomes through the retellings of participants own experiences with racism compared to existing studies that have used clips and films portraying racial discrimination. The findings of this research can also promote forthcoming research that instead of showing a correlation between racism and health adversities in minorities, shows a direct causation between the two. This research is a step toward dismantling the many facets of racism and racial discrimination. By identifying the ways racism lingers systematically, specifically through the healthcare system and the long-term consequences it has on individuals’ health, we can start seeking solutions.  

What I hope to learn:

Through this research, I hope to build off my experience with identifying the multifacetedness of racism through the research and advocacy work I’ve done in the past. I also hope to deepen my understanding of the research process by working alongside more experienced individuals like Professors Shin and Sommers, strengthening technical skills in note-taking, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving. I hope my contribution to this study will yield results that underscore how racism manifests in our institutions and daily lives, and prompt us as individuals and members of our society to look for ways to mitigate its detriments.