Exploring how racial and ethnic discrimination affects mental health and brain development.
Investigating Links Between Racial and Ethnic Discrimination, Neurobiology, and Internalizing Symptomatology
This study looks at how experiencing racial and ethnic discrimination can affect the mental health of kids and teens, especially in terms of depression and anxiety, by exploring how these tough experiences can change their brains as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10673000 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of racial and ethnic discrimination on mental health, particularly focusing on how these experiences contribute to depression and anxiety in children and adolescents. By examining the neurobiological changes that occur as a result of chronic psychosocial stressors, the study aims to understand the mechanisms through which discrimination affects brain development during critical growth periods. The research employs a combination of epidemiological data and biological assessments to explore these connections, providing insights into the long-term effects of discrimination on mental health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents aged 12 to 20 who have experienced racial or ethnic discrimination.
Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced racial or ethnic discrimination may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved mental health interventions and support systems for individuals affected by racial and ethnic discrimination.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has established links between discrimination and mental health outcomes, suggesting that this approach is grounded in existing evidence, though the specific neurobiological mechanisms are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hanson, Jamie Lars — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hanson, Jamie Lars
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.