3-042 - Examining the Neurobiological Consequences of Racial Discrimination on Development

Session Type: Paper Symposium

Integrative Statement

SRCD’s strategic plan emphasizes the use of multiple perspectives and methods in developmental research, as well as the importance of infusing cultural diversity in research. With these aims in mind, this symposium addresses the deleterious impact of racial discrimination on neurobiological functioning. Emerging evidence suggests that exposure to racial discrimination can affect cortisol secretion and regulatory rhythms (Berger & Sarnyai, 2015; Pascoe & Smart Richman, 2009). However, more research is necessary in order to understand the mechanisms involved, their developmental sequelae, and their variation across different minority groups. The purpose of this symposium is to examine interdisciplinary research on the neurobiology of discrimination and examine future research directions. The first paper experimentally investigates the physiological effect of indirect racial discrimination among Latino emerging adults. The second paper examines weekly reports of microaggressions and diurnal cortisol fluctuations among Latino and African American emerging adults. The third paper presents results from a meta-analysis on the direction and magnitude of the effect of racial discrimination on cortisol output across age and ethnicity. Finally, the discussant will integrate these findings, discuss current limitations and challenges, and provide recommendations for future research.

Sub Unit

• Diversity, Equity & Social Justice

Chair

• Kevin Michael Korous, Arizona State University

Discussant

• Enrique Neblett, University of North Carolina

Individual Presentations

• Indirect Racial Discrimination and Physiological Reactivity Among Latino Emerging Adults: A Pilot Study - Presenting Author: Virginia Huynh, CSUN; Que-Lam Huynh, California State University – Northridge; Mary-Patricia Stein, California State University – Northridge

• Macroaggressions and Diurnal Cortisol: Weekly Association Among African American and Latino Young Adults - Presenting Author: Katharine H. Zeiders, University of Arizona; Antoinette Marie Landor, University of Missouri

• The Neurobiological Effects of Racial Discrimination: A Meta-analysis - Presenting Author: Kevin Michael Korous, Arizona State University; Jose M. Causadias, Arizona State University; Deborah M Casper, University of Alabama