Anticipation of discrimination has been shown to have significant effects on daily emotional states and behaviors. Studies have found that individuals who experience anticipated discrimination are more likely to experience negative mood states such as anxiety, depression, and anger, which can lead to increased stress levels and decreased self-esteem. This can result in physical symptoms such as headaches, stomach aches, and fatigue.
Anticipating discrimination can also cause changes in behavior, such as avoiding certain situations or interactions, decreasing motivation, and engaging in unhealthy coping strategies.
One study found that African American women experienced higher levels of anticipatory fear in response to hypothetical scenarios involving racial bias than white women. This led to increases in physiological arousal and feelings of distress, which were correlated with decreases in task performance. Another study showed that Asian Americans who perceived themselves to be at risk for discrimination exhibited lower levels of resilience and less engagement in healthy coping strategies compared to those who did not perceive themselves to be at risk.
The impact of anticipation of discrimination is particularly evident in academic settings.
A study conducted by Moss-Racusin et al. (2012) found that female graduate students who were asked to participate in a research experiment about gender stereotypes experienced greater physiological reactivity and reported higher levels of anxiety before the experiment began. Similarly, a study conducted by Sinclair et al. (2013) found that Black college students who believed they would encounter racism during their college careers had lower GPAs and were more likely to drop out than other students.
In addition to emotional and behavioral effects, anticipated discrimination has also been linked to physical health outcomes. A study conducted by Nguyen et al. (2019) found that Asian American adolescents who experienced frequent experiences of prejudice and discrimination were more likely to report poorer mental health outcomes, including increased depressive symptoms and stress. Similarly, another study found that Latinx immigrants who anticipated experiencing discrimination due to their immigration status were more likely to experience chronic health conditions such as hypertension and diabetes.
The anticipation of discrimination can have significant negative effects on daily emotional states and behaviors, leading to decreased well-being and increased risks for physical health problems. It is important for individuals to be aware of these effects and take steps to mitigate them through self-care strategies such as engaging in positive coping mechanisms and seeking support from friends and family members.
Institutions and organizations should work to create inclusive environments where all individuals feel valued and respected, reducing the likelihood of anticipated discrimination.
How does the anticipation of discrimination affect daily emotional states and behavior?
Anticipation of discrimination can have significant effects on an individual's emotions and behaviors throughout the day. Individuals may experience feelings of anxiety, fear, or anger when they anticipate being treated unfairly due to their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, or other characteristics. This anticipation can lead to increased stress levels, difficulty concentrating, and changes in mood, which can negatively impact work performance and social interactions.