Systemic Racism, Ethnic Discrimination, and Children’s Mental Health: Fostering Global Conversations
Year: 2023
Type: article
Abstract: Children and adolescents globally are particularly vulnerable to the unfortunate consequences of ethnic discrimination and systemic racism. These impacts not only synergize with other adverse early life experiences but also permeate all psychosocial domains, especially mental health, leading to detrimental shifts in their life trajectory. While terms like ethnic discrimination and systemic racism have been unconsciously used for centuries outside of North America, their interpretation has predominantly relied on a cultural lens, neglecting to acknowledge their profound impact on children's mental well-being. This paper aims to discuss the mental health implications of systemic racism within various social systems and raise awareness of its dire outcomes for children and adolescents. Additionally, it will focus on recommendations by early career psychiatrists (ECPs) who advocate for change in social systems within their own cultures. In 2020, the Global Mental Health Think Tank was established by a diverse, multidisciplinary, and online-based network of ECPs affiliated with the World Psychiatric Association’s ECP section. These ECPs and co-authors are internationally practicing adult and child and adolescent psychiatrists, and physician-scientists. Discussions among authors highlighted three main areas of concern: a) trauma and related disorders within the context of ethnic discrimination, b) discrimination against minorities in education systems, and c) discrimination of minorities in maternal health. Another noteworthy observation was the scarcity of literature on this topic globally, highlighting the need for increased system-based qualitative studies and interventions that align with each region’s respective culture.
Authors: Zargham Abbas, Renato De Filippis, Val Bellman, Ruta Karaliuniene, Helin Y. Kafali, Irfan Ullah, Anita Codati, Elona Dashi, Laura Orsolini, Olseun P. Ogunnubi, Margaret I. Ojeahere, Sachin Nagendrappa, Sheikh Shoib, Bita Vahdani, Jibril I. M. Handuleh, Ramdas Ransing, Victor Pereira-Sanchez
Institutions: Duke Medical Center, Magna Graecia University, University of Missouri–Kansas City, Gandhara University, Ministry of Health, Mother Teresa Hospital, Marche Polytechnic University, University of Lagos, Jos University Teaching Hospital, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, St. Paul's Hospital Millennium Medical College, New York University
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4382004335