Societal Disparities and Their Role in Psychosis Development Among Marginalized Youth
New study links racial inequality and police violence to higher risks of psychosis among marginalized young adults, emphasizing the role of societal factors in mental health.
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
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
Study Reveals Gender Differences in Alcohol's Impact on Decision-Making
Research shows that alcohol impacts decision-making more in males than females, highlighting important gender differences. A new rodent study reveals that alcohol induces riskier choices in males, with potential implications for human behavior and treatment strategies.
Perception of Being Awake During Sleep Tied to Normal Brain Function, Not Just Insomnia
New research indicates that the perception of being awake during sleep is linked to normal brain activity, challenging traditional views on sleep and wake boundaries. Findings highlight the importance of brain function in sleep perception and potential treatments for insomnia.
New Research Links Tea and Dark Chocolate Consumption to Lower Blood Pressure
New research reveals that daily consumption of tea, dark chocolate, and flavan-3-ol-rich foods may help lower blood pressure and improve vascular health, offering a natural approach to cardiovascular wellness.
Identification of Two Biomarkers That Could Predict Healing Outcomes in Diabetic Foot Ulcers
A groundbreaking study identifies two biomarkers, c-myc and p-GR, with potential to predict healing outcomes in diabetic foot ulcers, paving the way for improved patient management.