The double burden of Black young adults' daily confrontations with racism

What is it about?

African American young adults reported on experiences of discrimination they confronted in their daily activities in real-time. Daily experiences of racism were common and most likely to occur at work. Both discrimination they experienced and discrimination they witnessed led to negative emotions in that moment, and this relationship was stronger for African American young adults living in areas with fewer African American neighbors. Experiencing discrimination also depleted coping resources in that moment, and this relationship was stronger for African American young adults who had experienced more racism in general.

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Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash

Photo by Ehimetalor Akhere Unuabona on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This study served as an important opportunity to uplift the experiences of African American young adults who are making their way in the world. Young adulthood is a time for identity exploration and personal growth, yet African American young adults experience and witness pervasive racism in daily life. Daily racism both increases negative emotions and depletes the very resources that can help cope with injustice. These emotional responses can contribute to mental and physical health disparities and signify the urgency of dismantling racism along with broadening and building essential opportunities for resiliency among African Americans emerging into adulthood.

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