Racism and Health: Challenges and Future Directions in Behavioral and Psychological Research

Objectives: Racism is a critical determinant of racial inequalities in health. This article discusses three pressing challenges in the study of racism as a social determinant of health and identifies ideas to guide future psychological and behavioral research. Method: The first challenge is moving beyond a near-exclusive focus on individual racism. The second challenge is measuring racism, and the third challenge is elucidating the developmental pathways linking racism to health outcomes. Results: I recommend the consideration of institutional, cultural, and structural racism, the incorporation of developmental health and resilience perspectives, the use of diverse methods and transdisciplinary approaches, and improved education and training. Conclusions: Eliminating racism and racial health disparities will require: 1) a bold, comprehensive, and sustained agenda that addresses structural forms of racism and unpacks developmental mechanisms underlying racism and poor health; 2) improved measurement, diverse methods, and new analysis; and 3) coalition building across disciplines and with community partners, organizers, and activists.