Across The Diaspora

Research Study #1: Brazil

A 2007 study done in Brazil indicates that adolescents with black skin color are greatly affected by racial discrimination that is linked to depression and depression-like symptoms. Over 50 percent of the Black population in Brazil are Black and are most likely to experience social inequities, and "it is commonly believed in Brazil that a high level of tolerance concerning racial differences is the norm.” (Almeida-Filho et al. 2007 pg. 130)

Though this site aims to focus on racial anxiety, it is essential to point out other issues. A 2003 study indicated that minorities with darker skin completions have higher mortality rates and diseases; this study also concludes that understanding racism and its operation can lead to understanding "race, ethnicity and health outcomes, particularly mental health Problems" Similarly, another study found that there is an increase in how often adults who experience racial anxiety are most likely to have depression or depression-like symptoms.

  • RESEARCH METHODS: (p. 126)

    • The study comprised 973 adolescents ages 10 to 21 years old: Households were picked using random sampling. Personalized interviews were done to better understand "sociodemographic characteristics... work conditions" and health outcomes such as depression and self-esteem. 

    • Participants were asked to respond to questions such as: “‘Do you think your skin color makes it difficult to access loans or other bank services?’ and “Have you ever noticed that you have been targeted by racial prejudice?

  • RESULTS: (p.127)The results showed that depression was over 10 percent higher amongst those who experienced racial discrimination. Depressive symptoms include:

    • Feeling tired

    • Having little energy

    • Trouble concentrating on things

    • Feelings of unhappiness or being unhealthy

Research Study # 2: Canada

A 2022 Study based in Canada concludes a strong correlation between those who experience racism and anxiety symptoms. Black people in Canada who reported having experienced racial discrimination and microaggressions show anxiety symptoms. Compared to white people, Black people in Canada are affected at an alarming rate. “ anxiety disorders were found to be present at approximately half the rate for Black people in Canada as compared to White Canadians." p.546) Across the Diaspora, Black people are constantly dealing with microaggressions that are intentional or unintentional. Understanding anxiety caused by racism alone is “best understood as a risk factor in the development of anxiety."(Noorishad et al. 2022, p. 546)

  • RESEARCH METHODS: (p.547)

    • 845 participants were recruited through different methods. Participants were recruited based on four criteria 1. If they identify as Black, 2. People living in Canada 3. At least 15 years of age and 4. Able to understand and comprehend the English Language. Sociodemographic questions were administered. Further, The Generalized Anxiety Scale Disorder (GAD-7) scale was used to assess symptoms of generalized anxiety. This allowed for examining seven anxiety symptoms, including feeling anxious or on edge, restless, and unable to stop or control worrying.

  • RESULTS: (p.548)

    • Younger participants reported experiencing more symptoms of anxiety

    • Everyday discrimination was significantly associated with anxiety symptoms

    • Results from the logistic regression model, including microaggressions, demonstrated a statistically significant association between anxiety symptoms and microaggression


“healthy individuals may be more apt to deny stressful life events such as racial discrimination, thus avoiding negative affects (Meyer, 2003). However, experimental and longitudinal studies have not shown evidence in support of this statement” (Wong et al., 2003; Brown et al., 2000)