What is it about?
This study followed 1,710 Black Americans over six months to understand how racism affects their mental, physical, and spiritual health. We looked at whether religion and spirituality act as a "buffer" to help people cope with discrimination. We found that while racism leads to significant mental distress and "spiritual struggles" (feeling distant from God or questioning one's beliefs), having strong religious and social support can help protect a person’s well-being. It highlights that racism isn't just a social issue—it is a public health crisis that affects the soul and the body.
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Why is it important?
Most studies on racism and health only look at a single point in time. Our research is unique because it is longitudinal, proving that the damage from racism persists and even worsens health outcomes months later. It specifically identifies "spiritual struggles" as a key area where racism hurts Black Americans. This is vital for therapists, clergy, and healthcare providers to understand: treating the effects of racism requires looking at a person’s spiritual life and social community, not just their physical symptoms.
Perspectives
As a researcher, I wanted to go beyond just documenting the pain of racism. I wanted to see what makes people resilient. This paper is personal because it validates the lived experience of millions of Black Americans who rely on their faith to survive systemic injustice. It shows that while the Black community is incredibly resilient, the "Black-White paradox" in mental health doesn't mean we are immune to the wear and tear of discrimination. We need systemic change alongside our spiritual resources.
Philip Sarpong
Wheaton College
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: A longitudinal study of racism, religion/spirituality, and health in a nationwide sample of Black Americans., Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, March 2026, American Psychological Association (APA),
DOI: 10.1037/rel0000595.
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