Racism as a stressor for African Americans - A biopsychosocial model

Various authors have noted that interethnic group and intraethnic group rac ism are significant stressors for many African Americans. As such, intergro up and intragroup racism may play a role in the high rates of morbidity and mortality in this population. Yet, although scientific examinations of the effects of stress have proliferated few researchers have explored the psyc hological, social, and physiological effects of perceived racism among Afri can Americans. The purpose of this article was to outline a biopsychosocial model for perceived racism as a guide for future research. The first secti on of this article provides a brief overview of how racism has been concept ualized in the scientific literature. The second section reviews research e xploring the existence of intergroup and intragroup racism. A contextual mo del for systematic studies of the biopsychosocial effects of perceived raci sm is then presented, along with recommendations for future research.