Developmental Associations of Racialized Experiences and Attitudes in the 20s with Health Status Approaching Midlife

Multiple studies have shown an association of experiences of racial discrimination with adverse health outcomes, but relatively few have investigated the health consequences of expressions of discriminatory attitudes or racial animus. This study examined the breadth and persistence of links between racism and health, including how experiences of and expressions of racial discrimination and animus, as well as ethnic belonging, in the 20s were associated with health at age 39. Data were from the Seattle Social Development Project, a longitudinal panel study originating in 1985. Analyses examined survey waves at ages 21 through 39 (1996 through 2014) among 144 Asian, 168 Black, and 327 White participants. Negative binomial regressions modeled associations of prior racialized experiences and attitudes with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and alcohol use disorder, and physical health problems at age 39, accounting for sex, education, and parallel health measures in the 20s. Prior experiences of discrimination were associated with more mental and physical health problems among all racial groups. Prior dislike of meeting people from other racial or ethnic groups was associated with more alcohol use disorder symptoms among Black and White participants. Findings suggest important associations given the study’s long timeframe and inclusion of key covariates. Potentially enduring health risks up to the cusp of midlife were indicated for experiences of discrimination and, for Black and White individuals, possible harm to those who hold discriminatory attitudes as well. Results may help broaden the perspective of efforts to reduce the harm of racial animus.