Perceived racial discrimination and healthy behavior among African Americans.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Numerous studies have found evidence of a link between perceived discrimination and unhealthy behavior, especially substance use. Within this body of literature, however, several studies have found unexpected evidence of a positive relation between perceived racial discrimination among African Americans-mostly women-and certain types of healthy behavior, primarily exercise and healthy eating. The current study further examined this positive relation, including an anticipated moderator: optimism. It also examined the relation between perceived racial discrimination and a correlate of unhealthy behavior: BMI.

Method

Six waves of data were collected over 14 years in three related samples of African Americans from families participating in the Family and Community Heal

SUBMITTER: Gibbons FX 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8329932 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature