Is racism like other trauma exposures? Examining the unique mental health effects of racial/ethnic discrimination on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

Galán, C. A., et al. (2024).

The American journal of orthopsychiatry,

10.1037/ort0000807.

Advance online publication.

https://doi.org/10.1037/ort0000807

Abstract

Although scholars have increasingly drawn attention to the potentially traumatic nature of racial/ethnic discrimination, diagnostic systems continue to omit these exposures from trauma definitions. This study contributes to this discussion by examining the co-occurrence of conventional forms of potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) with in-person and online forms of racism-based potentially traumatic experiences (rPTEs) like racial/ethnic discrimination. Additionally, we investigated the unique association of rPTEs with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depressive disorder (MDD), and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), accounting for demographics and other PTEs. Participants were (N = 570) 12-to-17-year-old (Mage = 14.53; 51.93% female) ethnoracially minoritized adolescents (54.21% Black; 45.79% Latiné). Youth completed online surveys of PTEs, in-person and online rPTEs, and mental health. Bivariate analyses indicated that youth who reported in-person and online rPTEs were more likely to experience all conventional PTEs. Accounting for demographics and conventional PTEs, in-person and online rPTEs were significantly associated with PTSD (in-person: aOR = 2.60, 95% CI [1.39, 4.86]; online: aOR = 2.74, 95% CI [1.41, 5.34]) and GAD (in-person: aOR = 2.94, 95% CI [1.64, 5.29]; online: aOR = 2.25, 95% CI [1.24, 4.04]) and demonstrated the strongest effect sizes of all trauma exposures. In-person, but not online, rPTEs were linked with an increased risk for MDD (aOR = 4.47, 95% CI [1.77, 11.32]). Overall, rPTEs demonstrated stronger associations with PTSD, MDD, and GAD compared to conventional PTEs. Findings align with racial trauma frameworks proposing that racial/ethnic discrimination is a unique traumatic stressor with distinct mental health impacts on ethnoracially minoritized youth.

The article is paywalled, unfortunately.

Here are some thoughts:

From my perspective, the concept of racism-based potentially traumatic experiences (rPTEs) can be conceptualized as moral injury, particularly due to their association with PTSD and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The concept of moral injury acknowledges the psychological distress that arises from witnessing or participating in events that transgress one's moral values or foundations.

Racism, as a system that perpetuates harm and violates principles of fairness and justice, can inflict moral injury upon individuals by undermining their fundamental beliefs about equality and human dignity. The research highlight that the impact of rPTEs may be intensified by their chronic and pervasive nature, as they often persist across various settings and time periods, unlike conventional potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) which are often time-bound. This persistent exposure can cultivate feelings of betrayal, shame, and anger, all of which are characteristic of moral injury.

Furthermore, the research advocates for expanding trauma definitions to encompass rPTEs, recognizing the psychological injuries they inflict, comparable to other traumatic exposures. This acknowledgment is crucial for clinicians to effectively assess and address rPTEs and the resulting racism-based traumatic stress symptoms in clinical practice with youth.

Burnout, racial trauma, and protective experiences of Black psychologists and counselors

Brown, E. M., et al. (2024).

Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice

and policy, 10.1037/tra0001726.

Advance online publication.

https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0001726

Abstract

Objective: The present study explored rates of burnout and racial trauma among 182 Black mental health professionals (BMHPs) and utilized racial-cultural theory to explore potential protective factors against burnout and racial trauma.

Method: We collected data from 182 Black psychologists and counselors who were active mental health professionals during 2020. Descriptive statistics, multivariate analyses of variance, follow-up univariate analyses of variance, bivariate correlations, and multiple regression analyses were used.

Results: Both burnout and racial trauma were considerably higher among BMHPs than has been reported across general samples of helping professionals and across a sample of Black participants across the United States. Differences among rates of burnout and racial trauma existed across genders and specialties (i.e., counseling and psychology). Higher levels of social support and an external locus of control significantly predicted lower levels of burnout and racial trauma. In addition, higher levels of resilient coping predicted lower levels of burnout. Last, more frequent meetings with a mentor significantly predicted lower levels of racial trauma.

Conclusions: Results from this study suggest that BMHPs may be more susceptible to burnout and race-based traumatic stress as a result of their work.

Clinical Impact Statement

The purpose of this study was to examine the rates of burnout and racial trauma of Black mental health

professionals in the wake of COVID and the racial unrest of 2020. It was found that Black mental health

professionals had significantly high rates of burnout and racial trauma. Previous studies have shown that

high levels of burnout and race-based traumatic stress can be detrimental to one’s mental and physical

health. Therefore, results show that greater attention needs to be given to the well-being of Black mental

health professionals to support them in their work.

The article is paywalled.

Here are some thoughts:

Black mental health professionals (BMHPs) face significant challenges, including high rates of burnout and racial trauma, particularly in the wake of recent racial and political unrest. This study found that BMHPs, especially those with master's degrees, experience higher levels of burnout and racial trauma compared to other helping professionals. However, social support, mentoring, and a strong sense of calling to the Black community can serve as protective factors against these negative impacts. The study underscores the importance of providing greater support to BMHPs, particularly during times of heightened racial tension, to help them cope with the immense stress and trauma they encounter in their work.

Racial Stress, Racial Trauma, and Evidence-Based Strategies for Coping and Empowerment

Holmes, S. C., et al. (2024).

Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 20(1).

https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-081122-020235

Abstract

Racial stress and racial trauma refer to psychological, physiological, and behavioral responses to race-based threats and discriminatory experiences. This article reviews the evidence base regarding techniques for coping with racial stress and trauma. These techniques include self-care, self-compassion, social support, mindfulness, cognitive restructuring, cognitive defusion, identity-affirming practices and development of racial/ethnic identity, expressive writing, social action and activism, and psychedelics. These strategies have shown the potential to mitigate psychological symptoms and foster a sense of empowerment among individuals affected by racial stress and trauma. While the ultimate goal should undoubtedly be to address the root cause of racism, it is imperative to acknowledge that until then, implementing these strategies can effectively provide much-needed support for individuals affected by racism.

The article is here.

Here are some thoughts:

This article explores coping mechanisms for racial stress and trauma, acknowledging the ongoing need to dismantle racism itself.  It reviews various strategies including self-care, mindfulness, and social support, all showing promise in reducing negative mental health effects. The research also highlights the importance of tailoring these strategies. While expressive writing and activism can be helpful, cultural factors and access to social support can influence their effectiveness. The article suggests a potential benefit to building foundational coping skills like self-compassion before engaging in more challenging strategies. This staged approach aligns with existing trauma recovery models, emphasizing safety and self-care before delving into deeper emotional processing.