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The psychosocial roots of code switching

Researchers found that Black Americans' perceptions of their Black identity are related to their code switching, but not their American identity. Participants who felt a stronger desire for belonging and those with assimilationist or nationalist ideologies were more likely to report code switching.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalCultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 9, 2026

Black people in Canada face barriers to donating much-needed blood

Research reveals systemic racial barriers to blood donation among Black Canadians, rooted in restrictive policies and individual experiences of racism. The study aims to increase awareness and improve communication with Black communities to increase donor representation and meet the need for specific blood types.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeSurvey·DateAug 24, 2026

A new transnational history explores Japanese migration to Canada from 1877 to 1988, illuminating resilience, displacement, community building, and the struggle for justice

A new reference essay examines Japanese migration to Canada from 1877 to 1988, highlighting the development of vibrant communities and women's roles in shaping immigrant life. The article also explores the forced removal and incarceration of Japanese Canadians during WWII and their ongoing struggle for justice.

Fear silences women politicians in public debate

A study of 43,000 Swedish politicians found that women are more likely to refrain from public statements due to fear of threats or harassment, especially on migration and gender equality. Politicians with an immigrant background also avoid making public statements, suggesting a need for increased voices and perspectives in policy debates.

SourceUppsala University·JournalBritish Journal of Political Science·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2026

New research examines “remorse bias” in legal decision-making

Two studies by Rutgers University professor Colleen Berryessa explore how expressions of remorse are interpreted in the legal system, finding that it can lead to serious inequities in legal outcomes. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and education within the legal system to better understand how remorse is assessed.

SourceRutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice·JournalAnnual Review of Law and Social Science·DateMay 11, 2026

Racism and socioeconomic stress may alter pregnancy biology, leaving black women nearly three times more likely to die

A study by the University of Cambridge found that racism and socioeconomic stress can alter key physiological processes in the body during pregnancy, leading to higher rates of preeclampsia and preterm birth in black women. These changes are not due to genetic differences but rather persistent socio-environmental stressors.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalTrends in Endocrinology & Metabolism·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 28, 2026

Living in historically redlined neighborhoods may reduce one’s ability to conceive

Two studies led by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that people living in redlined neighborhoods were less likely to conceive than those in favorable areas. The findings suggest that historical practices like redlining continue to influence reproductive health disparities in present-day communities of color.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 25, 2026

Maternal race and immigration linked to obstetric trauma: higher risk among Asian mothers and Black immigrant/refugee mothers

A large study found that Asian mothers experience a 1.5-fold higher rate of obstetric trauma, while Black immigrant and refugee mothers have a 20-30% higher risk. The study also found that immigrants with shorter duration of residence had higher initial risk of obstetric trauma, which declined with increasing time in Canada.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateMar 16, 2026

Decision-making nudges improve racial equity in academic promotion

A study published in Nature Communications found that evaluating multiple candidates simultaneously reduces racial disparities in promotion and tenure decisions. This structural change increases Black and Hispanic faculty members' promotion chances by 16.2%, effectively eliminating racial disparities at the department level.

SourceUniversity of California - Merced·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 23, 2026

How intersections of race, education, and socioeconomic status may predict unequal greenspace exposure

A new study found that considering factors jointly can capture a more accurate representation of disparities in residential greenspace exposure, driven by structural racism. Exposure to trees and grass provides numerous benefits to physical and mental health, but inequities persist due to disinvestment in marginalized communities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Epidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 18, 2025

Discrimination experiences among medical students

A cross-sectional study reveals that medical students with disabilities experience both general and race-based discrimination, as well as gender-based discrimination. The findings highlight the need to address these intersecting forms of discrimination in medical education.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 16, 2025

Trump is the primary source of US disinformation in POC media, finds ICFJ study

A new study by the International Center for Journalists and US universities found that Trump was the main source and distributor of disinformation in ethnic and Indigenous press in the US. The research also linked the prevalence of political disinformation to a decline in trust in the news and an increase in violence against journalists.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 1, 2025

Racial discrimination may increase psychosis risk

A major review of international evidence found that racial discrimination contributes to the development of psychosis, with people experiencing discrimination being 77% more likely to develop psychotic symptoms. The study highlights the need for public health action to tackle systemic racism and its impact on mental health disparities.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Mental Health·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 24, 2025

Black youth, especially Black girls, use mental health services less than their White peers

New research published in CMAJ found that Black adolescents with mental distress are less likely to access mental health care, with Black girls being the least likely. The study highlights the need for culturally responsive and sex-specific adaptations to care, as well as policy changes to equalize mental health service use.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateSep 8, 2025

Former DOJ scientists advocate for justice-focused crime research as federal funding faces cuts

Two former Department of Justice scientists argue for transformative crime prevention research prioritizing social justice alongside public safety. They emphasize the need for research incorporating community perspectives and collaborative approaches to prevent harm and promote justice.

SourceRutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·DateAug 20, 2025

Racism in schools harms Black youths’ mental health

A new study by the University of Ottawa reveals a clear link between racism in schools and symptoms of depression among Black students. The research identifies how academic racism hinders Black youths and their social and economic contribution to Canadian society.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalResearch on Child and Adolescent Psychopathology·TypeSystematic review·DateMay 6, 2025

New research in JNCCN finds stark disparities in treatment and survival time for people with pancreatic cancer

Researchers found significant disparities in quality of care and outcomes for patients with metastatic pancreatic cancer. Patients with higher social vulnerability indices were less likely to receive guideline-concordant systemic therapy, palliative care, or survive over 12 months.

SourceNational Comprehensive Cancer Network·JournalJournal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network·DateApr 9, 2025

Discrimination-related depression, anxiety pronounced among multiracial, White, Asian populations

A study by Boston University School of Public Health found that over half of US adults experience some form of discrimination, which can lead to higher chances of depression and/or anxiety. Discrimination-related mental health issues were particularly pronounced among multiracial, White, and Asian populations.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2025

In preparing children for a racially unequal society, families of colour can benefit from more support, study finds

Researchers at McGill University found that parents of colour need information and support to teach their children the skills they need to survive and thrive in a racially unequal society. The study identified three key messages that focus on feeling pride, valuing diversity and recognizing and responding to discrimination.

SourceMcGill University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2025

Racism in medicine - are things getting better?

Despite increased efforts to address racism, underreporting remains a significant issue, particularly on clinical placements. Initiatives are transforming workforce experience and representation, but true equity will take time to achieve.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 19, 2025

Labor market immigrants moving to Germany are less likely to make their first choice of residence in regions where xenophobic attitudes, measured by right-wing party support and xenophobic violence, are stronger, per 2004-2017 data

Research by PLOS found that labor market immigrants in Germany are less likely to choose their preferred region of residence when faced with stronger xenophobic attitudes. This suggests that hostile environments may discourage migrants from choosing areas they would prefer.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 5, 2025

Black kids and families are forced to overcome marked disparities in early care and education settings

Early care and education programs perpetuate inequalities against Black children and families, fueled by 'deficit perspectives' that ignore social circumstances. Systemic changes are needed to support teachers in partnering with families, decreasing expulsion rates and promoting resilience among Black children.

SourceAnn & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 22, 2025