Future directions in research on institutional and interpersonal discrimination and children's health

Am J Public Health. 2013 Oct;103(10):1754-63. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2012.300986. Epub 2013 Feb 14.

Abstract

Research evidence indicates that 2 forms of racial discrimination-perceived interpersonal discrimination and racial/ethnic residential segregation (a form of institutional discrimination)-may influence children's health and disparities. Although research on these 2 forms of discrimination and health has primarily focused on adults, smaller bodies of work have documented that perceived interpersonal discrimination and segregation have a negative effect on infants' health, and that perceived interpersonal discrimination may negatively affect children's mental health. Three directions for research are (1) incorporating a life-course perspective into studies of discrimination and children's health, (2) linking residential segregation with geography-of-opportunity conceptual frameworks and measures, and (3) considering residential segregation along with segregation in other contexts that influence children's health (e.g., schools).

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Child, Preschool
  • Forecasting
  • Health Status Disparities*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Mental Health
  • Prejudice*
  • Racism*
  • Research / trends*
  • Schools
  • United States
  • Young Adult