UGA study finds Black children can internalize racism, leading to anxiety
Black children are internalizing racism, which can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression. These findings are a part of a University of Georgia study, released Wednesday, using one of the largest data sets worldwide, one of the researchers said.
Black youth are paying an emotional toll due to racism
“These children’s brains are trying to protect them,” said Assaf Oshri, lead author of the study and an associate professor in UGA’s College of Family and Consumer Sciences. “Behaviorally, some of these children may not be showing the negative effects of racial discrimination by acting out. But that doesn’t mean they’re OK. There is an emotional toll to this type of coping mechanism.”
Researcher awarded $3.2M to study child brain development
The BRANCH study, which stands for Building Resiliency and Nurturing Children’s Health, will investigate the development of resilience among low-income children living in rural Georgia areas over five years, starting at age 7.
The overarching goal is to determine how children’s communities affect their neurocognitive development and risk for drug use as adolescents.
Why zero stress shouldn’t be your goal
How many times have you heard that squashing stress is crucial for good health? Stress has become such a wellness buzzword that the quest to get rid of it can feel, well, stressful. But stress isn’t always the enemy. In fact, research suggests some is actually good for you, with potential benefits ranging from enhanced brain function to healthier aging.