Effects of racial discrimination tasks on salivary cortisol reactivity among racially minoritized groups: A meta-analysis

Rationale

Racial discrimination can be specifically defined as the differential treatment of an individual or group based on their racial identity. Increasingly, the experience of racial discrimination is characterized as a social stressor that elicits physiological responses and increases the risk of poor health over the lifespan. However, recent attempts at synthesizing the literature surrounding racial discrimination and cortisol output, specifically, have produced mixed results. This is likely due to the inclusion of broad research designs (e.g., cross-sectional, experimental), measures of cortisol activity, and measures of racial discrimination.

Objectives

The primary goal of the current study was to apply a narrow lens to the synthesis of the racial discrimination and cortisol output literature. Specifically, by examining the association between acute racial discrimination and salivary cortisol reactivity, we aimed to demonstrate a clear pattern within the research area.

Results

Using five studies (composed of seven unique datasets; N = 650), we conducted a random effects model using the CMA software. Results indicate that racial discrimination stressors are associated with elevated acute cortisol levels (standard difference in means = 0.189, 95 % CI [0.083, 0.295]).

Conclusion

By approaching the literature with a narrow lens, this meta-analysis provides support for the association between acute experiences of racism and salivary cortisol reactivity. Findings also demonstrate a clear need for future research and highlight the influence of methodological decisions on synthesis efforts.