Grant: CIHR Fellowship

Racial discrimination has been linked to increased mental health problems and lower academic achievement in young people from racialized communities. While much research has focused on the emotional and social impacts of racism, little is known about how racism affects brain function. Early experiences of discrimination, especially during critical developmental periods, may have long-lasting effects on brain health, potentially leading to mental health issues and lower academic performance later in life. This study aims to fill this gap by exploring how racial discrimination experienced in childhood affects brain function in adolescents and young adults from racialized communities. This research program will compare two groups: one group of racialized youth who experienced racial discrimination in childhood and another group who did not. Participants will complete surveys assessing their experiences with racism, their ability to manage emotions, their mental health, and their academic performance. Using advanced brain imaging techniques (fMRI), this project will also examine how their brains respond to racial cues during a task. This study will use statistical analyses to understand whether brain function acts as a bridge between early experiences of discrimination and later outcomes, such as mental health issues and academic struggles. This research will be one of the first to show how racial discrimination in childhood can shape the brain's development, impacting emotion regulation, learning, and well-being. Ultimately, the findings could lead to new preventive/intervention programs that help support the academic and emotional success of those affected by racial discrimination.