Racial Discrimination and Mental Health in High School Teenagers

This paper focuses on exploring the key elements of racial discrimination that lead to the cause of anxiety and depression in high school teenager students. It evaluates the social determinants of mental health in teenagers and discusses mitigating measures to control the scenario.

Running head: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Name of the Student:
Name of the University:
Author Note:

1RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Introduction:
The adolescent phase between 13 to 19 years of age is an extremely sensitive phase
that marks the transition from childhood to adulthood. According to research studies, it has
been revealed that roughly 20% of teenagers consider the option of committing suicide each
year. The major elements associated with the impaired mental health status of adolescents
have been identified to be depression and anxiety (Cook et al. 2017). Research studies have
further stated that the key elements leading to depression in teenagers is on account of peer
pressure. Racial discrimination have been attributed to a major cause leading to depression
(Cook et al. 2017;Benner and Graham 2013). ‘Bullying’, ‘negative comments’ and ‘name
calling’ on the basis of skin colour and complexion has been reported to generate feelings of
emotional breakdown in teenagers.
Approximately 25% of high school students across the world have felt ashamed of
their cultural and ethnic background (Benner and Graham 2013). This paper would focus on
exploring the key elements of racial discrimination that lead to the cause of anxiety and
depression in high school teenager students. The paper would delve deeper into evaluating
the social determinants of mental health in teenagers. Further the paper would proceed with
the discussion of mitigating measures so as to control the scenario and incorporate adaptive
measures to mitigate the problem.

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Population
Teenagers aged between 16 to 19 years affected with depression and anxiety due to negative effect of peer pressure and episodes ofP
Intervention Family therapy and counsellingI
Comparison Mindfulness based therapy and spreading awarenessC
OutcomeReduction in the reported cases of depression and anxiety due to negative implication of cultural discriminatioO
Research Question:
On the basis of the PICO framework the paper would be based on the central research
question that, “how does cultural racism alter stress levels among teenagers aged
between 16 – 19 years diagnosed with anxiety and depression at high schools in
Wollongong?” In order to substantially generate an answer to satisfy the research question a
systematic literature review would be conducted that would highlight the seriousness of the
issue in the high school teenagers around the world. The systematic review would broadly
highlight the key determinants that affect the mental health status of young teenagers and
further relate it to the mental health status of the high school students of Wollongong.

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Methods:
It has been suggested by the researchers that an accurate search strategy must be
undertaken in order to conduct a successful literature review. In order to conduct a systematic
literature review it is extremely important to include proper key terms and include
appropriate exclusion and inclusion criteria so as to refine the search strategy and filter
relevant research papers. In order to proceed with the literature review to evaluate racial
discrimination as a factor that contributes to depression and anxiety in adolescents an
effective search strategy was undertaken. Research databases such as PubMed, CINAHL and
Google Scholar were screened thoroughly in order to obtain relevant papers. The inclusion
criteria comprised of scientific journals published within the time frame of 2013 to 2017. The
papers screened were published in English language and comprised of relevant key terms.
Both qualitative and quantitative research study designs were considered to retrieve relevant
journals. The exclusion criteria comprised of scientific papers that were published in
languages other than English and were published prior to 2013. The exclusion criteria also
comprised of papers that lacked a clear correlation to the central theme. Further the papers
that were excluded were of low impact factor value and were not peer reviewed.
The key words that were used in order to carry out the research included: Depression,
anxiety, peer pressure, racial discrimination, skin colour, ethnic background, racism,
black, adolescents, teen agers and high school students

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Records identified through
database searching
(n = 25 )
Additional records identified
through other sources
(n = 3 )
Records after duplicates removed
(n = 8 )
Records screened
(n = 20 )
Records excluded
(n = 3 )
Full-text articles assessed
for eligibility
(n = 17 )
Full-text articles excluded,
(do not meet inclusion)
(n = 5 )
Studies included in
literature review
(n = 12 )

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Results:
Self-reflection:
Racial discrimination has been perceived as an element of negative peer influence that
leads to depression and stress in young teenagers across the world. Researchers all over the
world have tried to evaluate the negative implication of mental health based on racial
discrimination in young students. According to the authors Shervin, Ehsan, Cleopatra and
Marc (2017), gender discrimination has been witnessed at the maximum level in students
who are black. The research study was based on a longitudinal design. It aimed to evaluate
the negative experience of being bullied in school because of the racial and cultural
background and trace the mental state implication on transitioning to adulthood. The study
proceeded for a span of 10 years in order to detect the mental health implication of the
adolescents transitioning to adulthood (Shervin et al. 2017).
Mental health status of minorities and immigrants:
Anxiety and depression were reported to be the major implications of negative
childhood experience (Lambert et al. 2014). Racial discrimination have been explained as the
presence of a stigmatized behaviour of the society in order to humiliate individuals based
upon their outward appearance such as their complexion, their cultural root or the manner in
which they carry themselves (Cook et al. 2017). A study conducted by English et al. (2014)
highlighted that most of the individuals of African origin who were victims of racial
discrimination displayed symptoms of depression a year later. The paper further correlated
the score 7 of racial discrimination to the depression score level 8 a year later. Further, the
authors have also stated that the initial phase of depression affects the adolescents at an early
age. As stated by Tummala-Nara, Pratyusha, Cladius and Milena (2013), racial
discrimination has also been reported to exist between foreign-born U.S individuals and U.S

6RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
born individuals at school. The depression rate was reported to be much higher in girls than
in boys. Peer discrimination was reported to affect the mental health status of the students at
an increased rate
Prolong mental health implication:
A research study conducted by researchers has further stated the negative
consequences in later life as a result of facing increased stigmatised attitude. According to
Benner and Graham (2013), the negative experience in relation to ethnic discrimination
encountered at school life can elicit a number of critical implications. The authors in their
study successfully established three key themes that could be related to the after effect of
facing acute discrimination in the teenage phase. An increased exposure to the stigmatized
behaviour showed poor academic performance, inability to adjust with the society and
increased racial awareness. Hence, it can be said that the negative emotional experience
elicited feelings of low self worth and poor confidence levels.
According to Amy et al. (2013), 73% of teenage students at their high school have
experienced racial discrimination. Further, the research also stated that 42% of the students
have felt miserable and have faced extremely disturbing episodes of racial discrimination.
This study made use of survey responses of the minority group in order to detect the
behavioural health outcome on being victimised due to racial discrimination. The findings
revealed that, the victimized adolescents were at a greater risk of developing depression and
possess aggressive behaviour. Further, the findings also suggested a greater prevalence of
destructive nature and suicidal ideation in individuals who have faced severe episodes of
racial discrimination as their high school experience.
Physical and mental health implication:

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According to a research study conducted by Gibbons et al. (2014), the impact of racial
discrimination elicits both physical and mental health implications in an individual. The
research study analysed the negative impact on physical and mental health and tried to
evaluate which aspect was harmed more. The findings stated that both the physical and
mental health was equally affected and in order to find relief adolescents indulged in
substance abuse.
Unhealthy transition to adulthood:
According to Tiffany Yip (2015), negative implications of perceived racial
discrimination leads to the prevalence of depressive and dissociative symptoms in young
teenagers. The study has further reported that individuals belonging to the minority
community have experienced acute incidences of racial discrimination that has disrupted the
sleep quality and the sleep pattern of them. The study further states that the symptoms of
depression and anxiety increases more as the individuals transition from adolescence phase to
adulthood. Therefore, it can be said that there have been ample evidence provided by the
scientific literatures to predict a correlation between the existence of a relationship between
peer pressure, racial discrimination and prevalence of depression and anxiety.
Analysis:
Present Scenario:
On closely evaluating the findings of the research papers it can be said that racial
discrimination is a serious concern among adolescent students that affect their mental health
status. The research papers that were reviewed talked about the rising incidences of racial
discrimination in high schools and the negative implication on the mental as well as physical
health status of the adolescents. In order to help the teenagers belonging to the minor
community cope up with the problem, various measures can be undertaken.

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Education and Awareness:
Education and awareness about the negative effect of racial discrimination should be
incorporated on a mandatory basis across all high schools (Seaton and Douglass 2014). In
order to prevent episodes of serious bullying, self-reporting and documentation of the
incidences should be done on a mandatory basis by the school authorities. Further, the high
schools must include a professional counsellor so that students experiencing negative
instances of bullying can seek social and professional support.
Adopting mitigating reforms at administration level:
Further, the school authorities must take serious measures to penalise the reported
offenders who engage in bullying and differentiating on the basis of culture and creed. Social
events such as ‘represent your culture’ or assignments to ‘glorify your ethnic background’
can help in enhancing cultural competence in children and at the same time support a diverse
cultural environment at school (Liu and Lau 2013). School authorities should purposely grant
prefect posts to children belonging to minor communities in order to make them feel at par
with other students. In addition to adopting these measures at the administration level,
teaching good morals and behaviour can also help in changing the perception and mind set of
the students and thereby support the theme of ‘unity in diversity’.
Conclusion:
Therefore to conclude, it can be stated that adolescence is an extremely sensitive
phase that marks the gradual transition to adulthood. It is extremely important to create a
positive environment free from elements of physical or mental stress factors in order to
promote a healthy transition. Racial discrimination and bullying have been reported to elicit
negative impact on the mental health status of high school teenagers. Research papers have
suggested an increase in the number of girls who have been affected with depression as a

9RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
negative impact of bullying. Research papers have further indicated the prevalence of racial
discrimination between US born individuals and Foreign born US based individuals. Hence,
it can be stated that bullying based on discrimination is extremely common across all major
cities. Studies have further revealed self-destructive behaviour, suicidal ideation and
substance abuse as the negative effect of experiencing discrimination in the teenage years.
Poor academic performance and low confidence levels have been studies as the after effect of
bullying and discrimination encountered in school life.
Strategies such as education and awareness can effectively help in spreading a
positive message about the bullying and indulging in discrimination. High schools should
proactively take steps and document the cases of discrimination and take appropriate action
so as to punish the offenders. Further the appointment of a professional counsellor would
help in successfully offering social and professional support to the victims. Hence, it can be
hoped that on complying with the discussed strategies the problems related to peer pressure
and the existence of a discrimination attitude can be effectively minimised to a significant
extent.

10RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
References:
Benner, A.D. and Graham, S., 2013. The antecedents and consequences of racial/ethnic
discrimination during adolescence: Does the source of discrimination
matter?. Developmental Psychology, 49(8), p.1602.
Cook, A., Spinazzola, J., Ford, J., Lanktree, C., Blaustein, M., Cloitre, M., DeRosa, R.,
Hubbard, R., Kagan, R., Liautaud, J. and Mallah, K., 2017. Complex trauma in
children and adolescents. Psychiatric annals, 35(5), pp.390-398.
English, D., Lambert, S.F. and Ialongo, N.S., 2014. Longitudinal associations between
experienced racial discrimination and depressive symptoms in African American
adolescents. Developmental psychology, 50(4), p.1190.
Lambert, S.F., Robinson, W.L. and Ialongo, N.S., 2014. The role of socially prescribed
perfectionism in the link between perceived racial discrimination and African
American adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Journal of abnormal child
psychology, 42(4), pp.577-587.
Liu, L.L. and Lau, A.S., 2013. Teaching about race/ethnicity and racism matters: An
examination of how perceived ethnic racial socialization processes are associated with
depression symptoms. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology, 19(4),
p.383.
Rivas‐Drake, D., Seaton, E.K., Markstrom, C., Quintana, S., Syed, M., Lee, R.M., Schwartz,
S.J., Umaña‐Taylor, A.J., French, S., Yip, T. and Ethnic and Racial Identity in the
21st Century Study Group, 2014. Ethnic and racial identity in adolescence:
Implications for psychosocial, academic, and health outcomes. Child
development, 85(1), pp.40-57.

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Seaton, E.K. and Douglass, S., 2014. School diversity and racial discrimination among
African-American adolescents. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority
Psychology, 20(2), p.156.
Seaton, E.K., Upton, R., Gilbert, A. and Volpe, V., 2014. A moderated mediation model:
Racial discrimination, coping strategies, and racial identity among Black
adolescents. Child development, 85(3), pp.882-890.
Tobler, A.L., Maldonado-Molina, M.M., Staras, S.A., O'Mara, R.J., Livingston, M.D. and
Komro, K.A., 2013. Perceived racial/ethnic discrimination, problem behaviors, and
mental health among minority urban youth. Ethnicity & health, 18(4), pp.337-349.
Tummala-Narra, P. and Claudius, M., 2013. Perceived discrimination and depressive
symptoms among immigrant-origin adolescents. Cultural Diversity and Ethnic
Minority Psychology, 19(3), p.257.
Yip, T., 2015. The effects of ethnic/racial discrimination and sleep quality on depressive
symptoms and self-esteem trajectories among diverse adolescents. Journal of youth
and adolescence, 44(2), pp.419-430.

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Article Objective Method Theme Results Conclusion
The
antecedents
and
consequences
of racial/ethnic
discrimination
during
adolescence:
Does the
source of
discrimination
matter?
To study the
precursors and
consequences
of racial
discrimination
Qualitative
study
Experience of
students
Three central
themes were
identified as
consequences
of racial
discrimination,
poor academic
performance,
psychological
maladjustment
and
heightened
racial
awareness
The study
correlated the
effect of
experiencing
discrimination
in the initial
phase of
adolescence
towards the
later years.
Longitudinal
associations
between
experienced
racial
discrimination
and depressive
symptoms in
African
American
adolescents
To study the
relation
between
discrimination
and the
prevalence of
depressive
symptoms
Longitudinal
study
Response of
students
A tight link
between
discrimination
and depressive
symptoms
were noticed
on the basis of
the scores
The study
proved the
existence of
relationship
between
discrimination
and depressive
symptoms
Ethnic and
Racial Identity
in the 21st
Century Study
Group, 2014.
Ethnic and
racial identity
in
adolescence:
Implications
for
psychosocial,
academic, and
health
outcomes
To study the
relationship
between
perceived
discrimination
between peers
and the
existence of
depressive
symptoms inn
students based
at an Urban
school
Comparative
study
Response of
students
Positive
implication
between
perceived
discrimination
and depressive
symptoms
The study
concluded that
the incidence
of
discrimination
towards
immigrant
students lead
to the cause of
depressive
symptoms
Perceived
discrimination
and depressive
symptoms
among
immigrant-
origin
adolescents
To study the
physical and
mental health
consequence
of being a
victim of
racial
discrimination
Qualitative
study
Survey
response
Incidence of
aggressive
behaviour and
indulging in
substance
abuse
The study
concluded
negative
consequence
on the mental
health status
on being
victimised due
to
discrimination
The effects of The study Quantitative Used a risk Results The study

13RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
ethnic/racial
discrimination
and sleep
quality on
depressive
symptoms and
self-esteem
trajectories
among diverse
adolescents.
examined the
effect of
discrimination
on the sleep
pattern of
adolescent
individuals
study and resilience
framework to
detect sleep
pattern
revealed low
self-esteem,
depressive
symptoms and
abnormal
sleep pattern
in students
exposed to
racial
discrimination
concluded that
exposure to
discrimination
can affect the
morale and
self esteem of
students and
lead to the
incidence of
depressive
symptoms and
poor quality of
sleep.
A moderated
mediation
model: Racial
discrimination
, coping
strategies, and
racial identity
among Black
adolescents
To study the
effect of a
mediation
model to teach
coping
strategies to
adolescents
being
victimised
Cohort study Response of
black students
Knowledge
about coping
strategies
helped in
dealing with
discrimination
in a better way
Results
concluded that
proper
knowledge
about coping
strategies can
help
adolescents in
raising their
self-esteem
Teaching
about
race/ethnicity
and racism
matters: An
examination
of how
perceived
ethnic racial
socialization
processes are
associated
with
depression
symptoms
To create
awareness
about the
negative
implication of
bullying and
discrimination
Cohort study Feedback
from students
Teaching
concepts of
cultural
competency
helped in
diversifying
the thought
process of
students
The results
indicated
positive self-
evaluation of
students.
The role of
socially
prescribed
perfectionism
in the link
between
perceived
racial
discrimination
and African
American
adolescents’
depressive
symptoms
To study the
association of
discrimination
with
depression
Qualitative
study
Response of
students
Findings
indicated
prevalence of
aggression and
social
insecurity in
students who
were bullied
on the basis of
skin colour in
high school
Results
concluded an
effective
relationship
between
discrimination
and depression

14RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
Perceived
racial/ethnic
discrimination
, problem
behaviors, and
mental health
among
minority urban
youth
To study the
mental status
and
behavioural
effect in
students
exposed to
racial
discrimination
Qualitative
study
Response of
students
Results
highlighted
poor self-
confidence
levels and
degraded self
esteem in
victimized
students
In conclusion,
it can be said
that
discrimination
affects the
mental health
in a way that it
impedes with
healthy mental
development
School
diversity and
racial
discrimination
among
African-
American
adolescents
To study the
prevalence of
stigmatised
attitude
between high
school
students in an
urban school
Qualitative
study
Student
responses
Highlighted a
major
prevalence of
discrimination
on the basis of
skin colour
Results
concluded
acute
depression and
suicidal
ideation
among
victimised
students
Complex
trauma in
children and
adolescents
To study the
impact of
discrimination
on mental
health of
adolescents
Qualitative
study
Survey
responses
Highlighted
incidence of
aggression,
anxiety and
destructive
behaviour in
students who
were exposed
to bullying
and
discrimination
Results
conclude
discrimination
and bullying
can seriously
impede stable
mental health.