Approximate reading time: 13 minutes

In the sections ahead, we will focus on two predominant forms of oppression: gender-based and race-based violence and discrimination. These topics are crucial to an understanding of the ways in which systemic and societal inequalities profoundly affect individuals’ mental and physical health. As we look into these issues, it’s important to understand how society’s unfair systems and the health problems people face are connected and affect each other.

Gender-based violence, characterized by harmful acts directed at individuals due to their gender, significantly affects mental health. Predominantly impacting women and girls, this violence leads to psychological distress and mental disorders, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD (Tol et al., 2013; Calle-Guisado et al., 2023; Sijbrandij et al., 2016; St John & Walmsley, 2021). Beyond immediate mental health effects, gender-based violence can cause long-term physiological changes, increasing health risks and disparities, notably in cases of intimate partner violence (IPV) and among transgender individuals facing transphobia-based violence (Sabri & Granger, 2018; Começanha et al., 2017; Klemmer et al., 2018).

Race-based violence and discrimination, particularly affecting Black males in the United States, pose significant health and stress challenges. Black individuals face a higher risk of violent crimes, including shootings and homicides, with profound mental health implications (Tregle, Nix, & Alpert, 2018; Singletary, 2020; Riddell et al., 2018). The criminal justice system’s high involvement with Black individuals and the exposure of young Black males to violence further exacerbate these health disparities, underscoring the need to address societal and environmental factors in discussions on stress and health (D’alessio & Stolzenberg, 2003; Tyler et al., 2016).

Addressing these issues requires a collective societal effort to recognize, challenge, and change the norms and structures perpetuating violence and discrimination. By fostering awareness and creating safer, more equitable communities, we can begin to mitigate the adverse health impacts of gender-based and race-based oppression. This collective action is essential for healing, empowerment, and the pursuit of a more just society.

Example Disproportionate Victimization of Black Males in the U.S.

Disproportionate Victimization in Violent Crimes

Black males are disproportionately the victims of police killings in the United States (Smith Lee & Robinson, 2019; Reynolds, 2022; Thomas, Jewell, and Allen, 2020; Tregle, Nix, and Alpert, 2018).

Black males are disproportionately represented among persons arrested for violent acts, with homicide being the leading cause of death for Black males aged 15 to 34 years [Washington, 1996].

Homicide and Violent Crime Rates

Black males were ten times more likely to be homicide victims than White males between the ages of 15 and 44 [Stark, 1993].

Individuals who self-identify as Black are six times as likely to die at the hands of a murderer and roughly seven times as likely to murder someone, with young Black men being 15 times as likely to be murdered as young White men [O’Flaherty & Sethi, 2010].

Firearm Homicide Rates

Black men are 14 times more likely than White men to die by firearm homicide [Riddell et al., 2018].

Incarceration and Crime Involvement

The disproportionately high arrest rate for Black citizens is most likely attributable to differential involvement in reported crime rather than racially biased law enforcement practices (D’alessio & Stolzenberg, 2003). Innocent Black people are about seven times more likely to be convicted of murder than innocent White people (Gross, Possley, & Stephens, 2022).

Blacks are six to seven times more likely than Whites to be in prison, despite a decline in violent crime involvement (Tonry & Melewski, 2008).

Youth Exposure to Violence

30% of young, school-aged Black American boys are exposed to violent events, particularly violent crimes (Tyler et al., 2016).

Impact on Mental Health

Exposure to nearby violent crime events reduces employers’ likelihood to call back Black job applicants by 10 percentage points, regardless of their criminal record [Mobasseri, 2019]. Traumatic experiences and exposure to recurring violence significantly impact the psychological disposition and ability to function in Black males living in violent communities [Singletary, 2020].

Racial Disparities in Police Shootings

Officers are more likely to shoot Black suspects, even when race-based differences in crime are held constant [Scott et al., 2017].

As we conclude our comprehensive exploration of stressors, it’s clear that this complex phenomenon is more than just a personal experience; it’s a reflection of broader societal dynamics and challenges. From the environmental stressors highlighted in the Rat Park Experiments to the profound impacts of gender-based and race-based violence, we’ve seen how stress is intricately linked to the world around us. In addition to the ongoing societal challenges like gender-based and race-based violence, recent global events such as the COVID 19 pandemic have introduced unique psychological stressors, profoundly affecting individuals and communities worldwide.

Watch this video: Racism and Health (3 minutes)

“Racism and Health” video by Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is licensed under the Standard YouTube licence.

Watch this video: Racism and Mental Health (4 minutes) 

“Racism and Mental Health” video by Psych Hub is licensed under the Standard YouTube licence.