Prolonged Exposure to Discrimination and its Effect on Physiological Responses to Stress and Emotion
Discrimination is a prevalent issue that affects many people worldwide. People who experience discrimination often suffer from various negative consequences, such as psychological distress, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and physical health problems. In this context, prolonged exposure to discrimination has been shown to have physiological effects that significantly influence stress and emotional responses. This phenomenon can be understood through the concept of allostatic load, which refers to the wear and tear on the body caused by repeated activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which regulates the fight-or-flight response.
The SNS is responsible for initiating physiological changes during times of threat or danger, such as increased heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration. When these responses are activated repeatedly, it can lead to chronic stress, leading to long-term adverse impacts on health. Studies show that victims of racism, sexism, homophobia, and other forms of discrimination exhibit elevated levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress, compared to those who do not face discrimination.
They tend to have higher levels of inflammation markers in their bodies, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease and other health conditions.
Prolonged exposure to discrimination can also alter brain chemistry and function, resulting in decreased activity in areas associated with empathy, social cognition, and memory.
Victims of racism show reduced activity in parts of the prefrontal cortex involved in decision-making, attention, and executive functions. They may experience anhedonia, or the loss of pleasure from activities that were previously enjoyable, due to alterations in dopamine signaling. These changes can make it difficult for individuals to process emotions effectively and respond appropriately to stressors, further exacerbating negative effects.
Prolonged exposure to discrimination has significant consequences for physical and mental wellbeing.
There are interventions that can help mitigate its effects.
Mindfulness meditation, yoga, and cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques can help manage stress and emotional regulation by promoting relaxation and resilience. By addressing this complex issue, we can create more equitable and inclusive societies where everyone feels valued and respected.
How does prolonged exposure to discrimination influence physiological responses to stress and emotion?
The exposure of individuals to prolonged discrimination can cause them to develop heightened physical and emotional reactions towards stressful situations. This is because such experiences tend to activate their fear center, which subsequently leads to an increased release of stress hormones such as cortisol. Moreover, this also causes the body's sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to become more active, resulting in faster heart rate, breathing, and higher blood pressure levels.