Perceived Discrimination, Preparation for Bias, and Associations with Physical and Mental Health of Racially/Ethnically Marginalized Children

Prior studies suggest that perceived discrimination and preparation for bias are associated with children's mental health, yet few studies have examined relationships with children's physical health. The current study expands on prior literature by examining associations between perceived discrimination and preparation for bias parenting practices on the physical and mental health of racially/ethnically marginalized children. Children (n = 227, ages 7-13 years, 58% female; 28% Non-Hispanic Black, 26% Hispanic, 15% Hmong, 15% Native American, 10% multiracial/ethnic with White and 6% multiracial/ethnic without White) completed an in-clinic assessment of cardiometabolic health and self-reported perceived discrimination. Parents completed survey measures of their child's mental health (self-efficacy, inhibitory control, depression) and their use of preparation for bias parenting practices. Physical health measures (BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure, pulse rate, hair cortisol) were taken at a lab visit. In adjusted regression analyses, children who self-reported any experiences of perceived discrimination had significantly lower levels of self-efficacy (p < 0.05) and inhibitory control (p < 0.05) than those who did not report experiences of discrimination. Preparation for bias parenting practices differed significantly by race/ethnicity and higher levels were associated with higher hair cortisol concentrations in children, reflecting elevated activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis (p < 0.05). There were otherwise no statistically significant differences in children's mental or physical health outcomes as a function of perceived discrimination or preparation for bias parenting practices. Our findings highlight the potential importance of interventions that reduce interpersonal discrimination and the need for further research on parenting practices that may influence children's health.