Understanding how racial discrimination affects brain health in Black individuals
Official title: Identifying Neural Signatures of Racial Discrimination in Black individuals with a Multivariate Data Fusion Approach
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11029817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how experiences of racial discrimination affect brain health in Black Americans by asking participants to share their feelings in real-time while using brain imaging to see how their brains respond, with the goal of understanding the connection between these experiences and mental well-being.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $630,071 |
| NIH project number | 1R01MH138893-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11029817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Black individuals who have experienced racial discrimination and are willing to participate in real-time assessments and neuroimaging.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not identify as Black or who have not experienced racial discrimination may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of racial discrimination on brain health in Black Americans by using a novel approach that combines real-time assessments of discrimination experiences with advanced neuroimaging techniques. Participants will report their experiences of racial discrimination as they occur, allowing researchers to capture immediate emotional and cognitive responses. The study aims to identify specific neural network changes associated with these experiences, which could help explain the disparities in brain health observed in this population. By integrating various data sources, the research seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of how discrimination affects mental coping and brain function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions and support for Black individuals facing the mental health impacts of racial discrimination.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of integrating real-time assessments with neuroimaging is innovative, previous studies have shown success in exploring the effects of discrimination on mental health, indicating potential for meaningful findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fani, Negar — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Fani, Negar
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.