Bystander Acknowledgment Mitigates the Psychological and Physiological Pain of Racial Discrimination for Black Young Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Racism increases pain sensitization and contributes to racialized pain inequities; however, research has not tested interventions targeting racism to reduce pain. In this study, we examined whether White bystanders can act to mitigate racism's pain-sensitizing effects. To simulate racial exclusion in the laboratory, Black young adults (age 18-30; N = 92) were randomly assigned to be included or excluded by White players in a ball-tossing game (Cyberball). For half of the excluded participants, White bystanders acknowledged and apologized for the racial exclusion. Participants completed a cold pressor task to assess pain threshold, tolerance, and unpleasantness, and completed a survey assessing psychological needs (ie, belongingness, self-esteem, meaningful existence, and self-control). Par

SUBMITTER: AuBuchon KE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11347098 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature