Societal Disparities and Their Role in Psychosis Development Among Marginalized Youth

Recent research highlights the significant impact that societal inequities have on mental health, particularly in the development of psychosis among young adults from marginalized communities. Traditionally, theories surrounding early psychotic episodes have focused on individual factors such as childhood abuse, bullying, or substance use. However, a groundbreaking study conducted by scholars at NYU Silver School of Social Work emphasizes the importance of broader social determinants.

Published in the Schizophrenia Bulletin, the study titled "Social Defeat and Psychosis in the United States" investigates how systemic factors like racial inequality and police violence contribute to increased psychosis risk. The researchers analyzed data from the National Survey of Poly-Victimization and Mental Health, involving 1,584 U.S. participants aged 18 to 29.

Findings reveal that Black, Latino, multiracial, and Indigenous young adults are 60% more likely to report experiencing psychotic episodes within a year compared to their white counterparts. Additionally, individuals reporting police violence encounters face a 52% higher chance of experiencing hallucinations or delusional episodes.

The study builds on the 'Social Defeat Hypothesis,' which traditionally links personal experiences like bullying or substance abuse to psychosis. Now, the focus expands to societal structures, suggesting that persistent racial inequalities and exposure to systemic violence can elicit neurobiological changes, including dopamine system disruptions, which are associated with psychosis.

Co-authored by Jordan DeVylder, Jacqueline Cosse, and Brianna Amos, the study underscores the potential for reducing systemic racism and violence to benefit mental health outcomes. DeVylder notes that addressing these societal factors could help mitigate racial disparities in psychosis prevalence.

This research calls for greater awareness of the societal roots of mental health issues and highlights the importance of systemic change alongside traditional therapeutic approaches.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-societal-inequities-contribute-psychosis-marginalized.html