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Physiologic Responses to Racial Rejection Images Among Young Adults from African-American Backgrounds

  • Empirical Research
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Abstract

Physiologic reactivity to racially rejecting images was assessed in 35 young adults (10 males, 25 female) from African-American backgrounds using the startle probe paradigm. In a laboratory setting, participants viewed 16 images depicting racial rejection, racial acceptance, nonracial negative, and nonracial positive themes. While viewing these images, startling bursts of noise were presented and the magnitude of the eyeblink responses were measured. Results supported an attentional mechanism which suggests that, while viewing both racially rejecting and nonracial positive images, individuals may be so absorbed in processing the images that they appear less distracted by the startling noise. However, these patterns were only found for participants low in racial regard. Young adults who felt positively about their racial background did not exhibit differential processing of startle stimuli as a function of slide themes. Race-rejection sensitivity did not moderate startle reactivity. Developmental implications, particularly in light of coping with racial discrimination, are discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Wake Forest University, P.O. Box 7778, Winston-Salem, NC, 27109, USA

    Lisa Kiang, Terry D. Blumenthal, Yolanda N. Lawson & J. Clark Shell

  2. Department of Psychology, Washington University, One Brookings Hall, Campus Box 1125, St. Louis, MO, 63130-4899, USA

    Erika N. Carlson

Authors
  1. Lisa Kiang
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  2. Terry D. Blumenthal
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  3. Erika N. Carlson
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  4. Yolanda N. Lawson
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Correspondence to Lisa Kiang.

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Kiang, L., Blumenthal, T.D., Carlson, E.N. et al. Physiologic Responses to Racial Rejection Images Among Young Adults from African-American Backgrounds. J Youth Adolescence 38, 164–174 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10964-008-9352-1

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