Researchers find biological evidence of the toll colorism takes on young adults. Research provides evidence that sociocultural stressors can bypass psychological defenses to impact biological function directly.
Researchers find biological evidence of the toll colorism takes on young adults
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New research suggests that the bias against darker skin tones does more than affect social standing; it physically alters the body’s stress response mechanisms. A [study](https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psyneuen.2025.107676) published in Psychoneuroendocrinology links these specific experiences of discrimination to disruptions in cortisol levels and subsequent physical health declines in young adults. This research provides evidence that sociocultural stressors can bypass psychological defenses to impact biological function directly.
Health disparities between racial groups are well documented in the United States. However, broad racial categories often obscure the nuanced experiences of individuals within those groups. Antoinette M. Landor, an associate professor at the University of Missouri, sought to investigate these variations. Along with colleagues from several other institutions, Landor focused on the concept of colorism.
This term refers to bias that favors lighter skin over darker skin. It can come from outside one’s community or from within it. It acts as a layer of inequality separate from, though related to, racism. The researchers theorized that the stress arising from this specific type of bias creates a unique biological burden.
The team utilized an intersectional framework to guide their inquiry. This approach recognizes that systems of oppression do not operate in isolation. A person is not just influenced by their race or their gender separately. Instead, these identities overlap to create distinct experiences of privilege or marginalization.
Full text is behind a paywall. The abstract indicates the effect is “marginally related to poorer self-reported health over time.” Ignoring that this is self-reported health, how marginal was the relationship?
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This is a very low quality study with limited access to their data. Their conclusions do not seem to be tied in any meaningful way to verifiable numbers and everything is self reported.
“Colorism” isn’t that just racism?
Stated plainly, outside stressors (e.g., racism) that exist out of your control that negatively affects you causes stress responses in your body.
This isn’t “new knowledge” per se, but that doesn’t mean it lacks value.