Understanding how racial discrimination affects brain health in Black individuals

Identifying Neural Signatures of Racial Discrimination in Black individuals with a Multivariate Data Fusion Approach

NIH-funded research Emory University · NIH-11029817

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEmory University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Atlanta, United States)
Project IDNIH-11029817 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are Black individuals who have experienced racial discrimination and are willing to participate in real-time assessments and neuroimaging.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as Black or who have not experienced racial discrimination may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Atlanta, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndromeAlzheimer's Disease
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.