Understanding how racial stigma affects substance use in young African Americans
Racial Stigma and Substance Use Vulnerability Among African American Young Adults: Examining Cognitive and Affective Mechanisms
This study looks at how experiences of racial discrimination affect the way young African American adults think and feel, especially when it comes to making choices about using substances, to help find better ways to support them and reduce their risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Maryland, College Park NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10908610 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of racial stigma on substance use vulnerability among African American young adults by examining the cognitive and emotional responses to experiences of discrimination. Using advanced cognitive-neuroscience techniques, the study aims to identify how acute stress from racial stigma influences brain processes related to decision-making and reward. Participants will engage in tasks designed to measure their reactions to stigma-related cues, helping researchers understand the underlying mechanisms that contribute to substance use behaviors. The findings could inform interventions aimed at reducing substance use risk in this population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American young adults who have experienced racial discrimination and are at risk for substance use.
Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or who have not experienced racial stigma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to targeted strategies that help reduce substance use among African American young adults by addressing the effects of racial stigma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that cognitive-neuroscience approaches can effectively illuminate the connections between stress and behavior, suggesting potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
College Park, United States
- Univ of Maryland, College Park — College Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Risco, Cristina Maria — Univ of Maryland, College Park
- Study coordinator: Risco, Cristina Maria
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.