Immediate and delayed effects of everyday racial discrimination on mental health among Black college students: A mixed-methods approach

Abstract

Experiences of racial discrimination significantly contribute to both mental and physical health outcomes. In this mixed-methods study, we examine both the immediate and delayed effect of discrimination experienced in daily life. Black students at a predominantly White university reported instances of racial discrimination, affect, anxiety, and depression several times per day over 4 weeks (N = 114); this was followed by qualitative focus groups (N = 25). Reporting an instance of discrimination corresponded with an acute decline in psychological wellbeing (higher negative affect, anxiety, and depression), consistent with previous work. However, this effect did not carry forward to later assessments during the same day or the following day as expected. Instead, positive affect temporarily increased in the hours following experiences of discrimination. Qualitative focus groups revealed social support, emotional reflection and processing, and feelings of taking action as important factors contributing to this bump in positive affect.