Ethnic Minorities and Mental Health: Understanding racism and the Impacts of Racial Trauma to Physical and Mental Health
ON THIS PAGE YOU’LL DISCOVER:
– Implicit bias — How Does it Cause Racism?
– How do you Reduce Implicit Bias?
– How do you Look After Your Mental Health After Dealing with Racism?
– The Significance of the Doll Test
Implicit Bias — How Does it Cause Racism?
Written by: Jessica Farinha
According to the American Psychological Association Implicit bias is a negative attitude, of which one is not consciously aware, against a specific social group. An example is if you are asked to imagine a construction worker, you’d think of a man as construction is a male dominant and blue collar industry. There is an unconscious assumption (implicit bias) that women would be less likely to partake in this field. Implicit bias is often a reflection of the knowledge and widespread beliefs we have of our society and world. Being that it is impossible to know everything, it would only be natural for one to fill in the gaps of their understanding with details they are acquainted with in order to make sense of the situations. But when we make the small details the big picture, it makes for unfair (and often untrue) ideas of large, complex things.
But how can this non-conscious way of thinking lead to racism? The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defined racism as a belief that race is a fundamental determinant of human traits and capacities and that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. Considering this, it can be noted that both of these topics are beliefs held by an individual (consciously or unconsciously) that affect the way they view and treat others. There is an argument to be made that the unconscious thought process of implicit bias fuels racism by compelling people to use their limited knowledge they have on other groups of people (that is often based in stereotypes and falsities) to treat and view them unfairly.
Yet how can we see this in action? Well, while investigating this topic, I remembered a ted-talk I watched for school. The Dangers of a Single Story by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a Nigerian novelist who described the way ‘single stories’ cause people to believe stereotypes and perpetuate racist beliefs. Her categorization of single stories with stereotypes which are a component of implicit bias was a very accurate depiction of my argument. One of the examples she cited was when a university student read her book and said “it was such a shame that Nigerian men were physical abusers like the father character in my novel” Because of their restricted knowledge of the people of Nigeria, they used one character from a novel to base their entire view on the nationality that caused them to have an implicit bias and led to them being (intentionally or unintentionally) racist. Nevertheless, others are not the only victims of implicit bias, Chimamanda herself fell for a single story. She realized this when she visited Mexico for the first time while studying in North America (U.S): “The political climate in the U.S. at the time was tense, and there were debates going on about immigration. And, as often happens in America, immigration became synonymous with Mexicans. There were endless stories of Mexicans as people who were fleecing the healthcare system, sneaking across the border, being arrested at the border, that sort of thing.” With this in mind, when she went to Mexico, she witnessed how normal everything appeared to be, people were simply people, having fun, living, stating “I remember first feeling a slight surprise. And then, I was overwhelmed with shame.”
This is but one example on how these two topics are correlated. I’m sure if you are to do your own research, or simply observe your surroundings and pay attention to your interaction with others and your actions, you too will notice how implicit bias and racism are deeply intertwined and connected. I urge you, the reader, to do this and reflect. I don’t believe that most people wish to be racist or sub-consciously prejudiced against others, but (and I’m aware on how hard this is to admit) it is something we all go through and being able to recognize the pattern of implicit bias which leads to racism is an effective strategy to stopping this behavior and eliminate it from our society.
How do you Reduce Implicit Bias?
Written by: Ada Luangaphay
Implicit bias refers to the tendency to apply stereotypes in an area where we lack awareness. It influences how we perceive others through interactions, leading us to judge them based on their physical characteristics. This often conflicts with our conscious understanding of our behavior and can impact our actions, shape our attitudes, and form assumptions about who individuals are.
The vast growth of implicit biases is becoming a more prominent issue. It’s a threat to those who have faced these implicit biases. Concepts on how they affect us, considering how they contribute to our belief in who we are as individuals and what our values are.
According to the TEDx Talks, Dushaw Hockett argues that these biases are inherent within all of us: “The science of implicit biases is that you can be deeply committed to your stated belief, unconsciously doing harm in the process,” influencing our perceptions and interactions.
Understanding this can lead to greater self-awareness and help us evaluate the impact of our beliefs on our relationships and societal structure. Acknowledging and addressing these biases is crucial for personal growth and fostering inclusive environments.
To reduce implicit bias is to educate yourself on the issue. When you come across the matter, it can be shared from mouth to mouth or through an online activity by sharing your knowledge and stories related to the topic, encouraging and promoting to alter people’s implicit bias toward others. Furthermore, supporting organizations that actively address implicit bias—such as All The Same (ATS), Project Implicit, the Perception Institute, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)—contributes to their efforts in reducing the prevalence of such biases. One effective approach to assist in this endeavor is to create an open, honest, and safe environment for discussions on the topic. By fostering vulnerability and making the conversation relatable, we can encourage community engagement and understanding.
How do you Look After Your Mental Health After Dealing with Racism?
Written by: Maira Nasir
Racism is usually discussed in terms of laws violated or insults shouted, but its most insidious harm isn’t always apparent. It quietly resides in the mind, shaping how individuals see themselves, how safe they feel in everyday spaces, and how much they believe they are worth. Racial discrimination is not a singular, isolated trauma for many individuals of color. It’s a daily, chronic experience that gradually worsens and has a significant impact on mental health. Realizing that racism is a psychological problem as well as a social one is the first step toward comprehending this impact.
Numerous research conducted throughout the years have shown that racism results in long-lasting emotional and psychological damage. People who experience persistent discrimination, microaggressions, or just the continual need to be “on guard” in a society that doesn’t appreciate them may develop racial trauma, which is sometimes compared to PTSD. The American Psychological Association claims that racism has been connected to increased rates of substance addiction, anxiety, and depression in racial minority populations. In environments that are largely white or culturally ignorant, young people in particular may internalize negative stereotypes or feel alienated. A generation is left with unseen scars as a result, frequently without access to support networks that are sensitive to cultural differences.
Sleepless nights, panic episodes in supposedly “safe” settings, emotional detachment, or a persistent feeling of not belonging anywhere are some of the subtle and not-so-subtle ways that this emotional wear and tear itself. Teenagers may experience identity crises, adults may burn out from continuously changing their identities or proving themselves in places that ignore them, and children may grow up doubting their value.Over time, these experiences can wear down even the strongest minds.
So how do people begin healing when the world refuses to change overnight?
Healing often starts with acknowledgment. Naming the pain is powerful. The first step is to acknowledge that racial trauma is genuine and not fictitious or exaggerated. At this point, therapy that is culturally competent becomes crucial. Therapists who are knowledgeable about racial dynamics can assist clients in processing their experiences without being confused or judged. Particularly, therapists of color provide venues where individuals can express their pain without having to first justify their culture.
However, healing takes place outside of a therapist’s office as well. It can also occur in communities. Talking with pals who “get it,” going to support groups, or even group therapy can be life-changing.Safe spaces ,physical and digital, where people of color can freely express themselves and process emotions are crucial.Reestablishing a spiritual or cultural connection is another aspect of healing for many people. Restoring ancestors’ customs, languages, or artistic expressions might restore an identity that bigotry attempted to destroy.
Another way to heal is through activism. People can regain power and fight back against systems that formerly made them feel invisible by using protest, education, storytelling, or policy reform to turn suffering into purpose. According to author and educator Bettina Love, “Work has wellness.” Both resistance and recovery are demonstrated by speaking up, sharing your story, and calling for justice.
The Significance of the Doll Test
Written by: Safia Mohamed
The Doll Test is an example of the lasting effect racism has on children. It was conducted in the 1940s by psychologists Mamie and Kenneth Clark. The goal of the study was to identify
the psychological consequences of segregation on African-American children.
The experiment was simple. Four dolls that were completely identical, apart from skin colour, were placed in front of subjects aged three to seven. They were then asked to identify the race of each doll and which one they liked more. The majority preferred the whiter dolls over the darker dolls. When asked, the children gave the white dolls positive traits and gave the black dolls negative traits.
Children start building their self-image at around five years of age. As defined in the Cambridge Dictionary, the word “self-image” means the way a person feels about his or her personality, achievements and value to society. The Doll Test revealed shocking revelations about how the children tested, mostly the darker ones, viewed themselves and how racism had affected their minds. Even though they knew they looked like the dark skinned dolls, the children of darker complexions still assigned the dolls negative traits and preferred the white ones. This means that they viewed themselves negatively due to racism and prejudice. It is said that personal experiences can affect one’s self-image, and the Doll Test is an experiment that clearly strengthens that claim.
To this day, many have the urge to become white or as pale as possible. For example, the K-pop industry is a prominent part of South Korea. The beauty standards deem tanned idols unattractive, and they receive more backlash compared to pale idols. Fair skin is a characteristic that is seen as beautiful in Korea, just like many other countries in the world. Even in African countries, being of lighter complexion is the goal and taking drastic measures to reach that target is the norm. Harmful face bleaching products are often used to reduce melanin in the skin and ultimately achieve a whiter skin colour.
In 2021, the Doll Test was repeated again by Toni Sturdivant, an assistant professor and researcher. She placed 4 dolls in a diverse classroom of preschool kids. There was one white doll, one Latina doll, one Black doll with lighter skin and one Black doll with medium skin. Instead of asking specific questions, she observed how the Black girls treated the dark dolls compared to the light dolls as they were playing. She found that the girls barely played with the Black dolls. On the rare occasion of them being picked up, the girls would mistreat the dolls, stepping on them and putting them in pots to pretend to cook them. They also had a problem with styling the hair of the Black dolls. They made comments about it being “too big” or “too curly” but had no problems with styling the straight hair of the white and Latina dolls. The findings of this experiment are simple. More than 80 years later, the same anti-Black mindset is still drilled into these young children. This shows that in terms of education on Black people and representation, the world has not changed much since the first Doll Test was conducted back in the 1940s.
I’ve had many experiences that demonstrate how racism affects a child mentally. When I was younger, I didn’t understand racism properly. I was born and raised in London as a dark
Somali girl and experienced a lot of discrimination that flew over my head. At the young age of eight, I remember thinking to myself if I would be killed if the world decided to hate black people again. It was just a little thought that I had, but I still recall it to this day 5 years later. The fact that I was already thinking about being murdered because of my skin colour at 8 years old shows that the world is a scary place and racism is very real. Throughout my childhood, I saw little to no media representation of people who looked like me. Who had my skin colour. Who wore the hijab. When my mum would blow dry my hair, I would beg her not to put oil on it after so I could keep my hair “straight”. I thought my curly hair was something ugly and wanted to have hair like the girls in my class and on TV. Millions of other black girls struggle with this to the present day. Diversity in the media is important for children of colour during their years of development so they don’t feel isolated and different from others.
To end it off, internalised racism has become common amongst young children. The Doll Test reveals how racism seeps into the minds of children, shaping their perception of beauty,
value and identity from youth. Only by confronting and challenging the problem of racism in our modern world can we remove the mindset of white superiority and embrace the diversity
of our planet. By doing this, we’ll take a vital step forward to creating a more inclusive and fair society. Nobody’s self-worth should be based on the colour of their skin and instead should be based on what’s in their heart.
Conclusion
Written by: Ada Luangaphay
Many of these acts of racism are clearly shown by numerous experiments, including the well-known doll test, all the way to how our minds can cloud or distort our judgment, which is where implicit biases stand. Additionally, these conflicts can significantly impact our mental health. ATS is diligently working to address these harmful situations by providing support and raising awareness about the detrimental effects of racism. As ATS consistently combats racism as well as forms of racism to offer greater aid, we must take measures to understand these structures of racism.
Firstly, the doll test was designed to reveal how children are influenced by racism. In this experiment, four dolls were displayed side by side, each having similar attributes except for the color of their skin. The children were asked to identify which doll they perceived as “nice” or “bad.” The results demonstrated the psychological impact of racism on these children, as many of them labeled the white dolls as “nice” while designating the others as “bad.” With this knowledge, ATS can use it to its advantage, targeting kids, benefiting them with knowledge about racism appropriately and acceptably for them to comprehend.
Secondly, implicit bias is the tendency to apply stereotypes in an area where we lack awareness. It influences how we perceive others through interactions, leading us to judge them based on their physical characteristics. This often conflicts with our conscious understanding of our behavior and can impact our actions, shape our attitudes, and form assumptions about who individuals are. In lack of words, it’s an automatic assumption. These automatic assumptions can easily lead to stereotypes, finding a deep connection to racism. Furthermore, information like this is often put aside, not realizing how revolutionary it all is, as ways to reduce implicit bias can contribute to the reduction of racism as well. ATS can use these details to better approach strategies in extending online awareness, encouraging vulnerability, and making the topic something relatable, promoting community engagement and understanding.
Lastly, truly understanding the various ways racism can come in. In other terms, comprehending prejudice is another definition where it can come in confusion with racism. Prejudice is a broad term for the irrational and negative attitude of a person or group due to their characteristics and stereotypes based on blind judgment. The benefit of understanding this concept can relate to how it can conflict with individuals mentally. The emotional and mental burdens of numerous or a single incident can cause what is known as racial trauma. It is long-lasting, guiding people down depression, panic episodes, and harsh anxiety, all because of discrimination, microaggressions, illusions of inclusivity, and surface-level diversity. Additionally, attention should be drawn to the importance of deeply educating and researching the acts of racism, as their effects can lead to years of healing. By highlighting the serious consequences of these issues in our contemporary society, we, ATS, believe that we can work towards cultivating a safer community for all.
Works Cited
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American Psychological Association. “Implicit bias.” American Psychological Association, 2025, https://www.apa.org/topics/implicit-bias. Accessed 20 July 2025.
Bates, Linda. “Positive Self Image Starts at a Young Age.” University of Arkansas, 2015, https://www.uaex.uada.edu/counties/garland/news/4h/2015/Positive-Self-Image-Starts-at-a-Young-Age.aspx. Accessed 30 July 2025.
Cambridge Dictionary,. “SELF-IMAGE | English meaning – Cambridge Dictionary.” Cambridge Dictionary, 2025, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/self-image. Accessed 30 July 2025.
Legal Defense Fund. “Brown v. Board: The Significance of the “Doll Test.”” Legal Defense Fund, 2025, https://www.naacpldf.org/brown-vs-board/significance-doll-test/. Accessed 20 July 2025.
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“What I learned when I recreated the famous ‘doll test’ that looked at how Black kids see race.” Yahoo, 2021, https://www.yahoo.com/news/learned-recreated-famous-doll-test-132419137.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKc5xEPyol2aPHPMi2Lx-qD_dQjDz9JmE7ZoZRPhzEZ3pInfJKPa6D2aY5YI8-obtz_CW2GPX47CZgqTblY0kW0fRNTmbU6pO7Gl8AnW5E2EzAO. Accessed 30 July 2025.
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