(HealthDay News) — Childhood exposure to school segregation is associated with worse late-life cognitive outcomes among older Black adults, according to a study published online Jan. 3 in JAMA Network Open.
Zhuoer Lin, Ph.D., from University of Illinois Chicago, and colleagues investigated the association between childhood contextual exposure to school racial segregation and cognitive outcomes in later life. The analysis included data from older U.S. adults participating in the Health and Retirement Study (3,566 Black and 17,555 White participants).
The researchers found that participants exposed to high versus low segregation showed lower cognitive scores (13.6 versus 14.5) and a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (37.0 versus 28.0 percent) and dementia (14.1 versus 9.3 percent). There was a significant negative association between school segregation and later-life cognitive outcomes among Black participants, but not among White participants, in an adjusted analysis. Across the life course, potential mediators included educational attainment (57.6 to 72.6 percent of the association), yet the findings were significant among Black participants for all outcomes. When accounting for all mediators and covariates, Black participants exposed to high segregation showed significantly lower cognitive scores (coefficient, −0.26) and a higher likelihood of cognitive impairment (adjusted odds ratio, 1.35) and dementia (adjusted odds ratio, 1.26).
“These findings suggest that strengthened efforts to reduce school racial segregation could have lasting benefits for cognitive health and advance racial equity, particularly given the enduring segregation of schools as a prominent form of structural racism in the United States,” the authors write.
How segregation affects brain health
Segregation, the enforced separation of groups of people based on race, ethnicity, religion, or other characteristics, has profound and lasting negative impacts on mental and cognitive health. These effects are multifaceted, stemming from both direct experiences of discrimination and the systemic inequalities that segregation perpetuates.
Stress and trauma
One significant impact is the heightened experience of stress and trauma. Constant exposure to discriminatory practices, whether in housing, education, employment, or public spaces, creates a chronic state of vigilance and anxiety. This chronic stress response can lead to a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, the body’s central stress response system. Prolonged HPA axis activation can increase the risk of various mental health disorders, including anxiety disorders, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Moreover, direct experiences of discrimination, such as racial slurs or acts of violence, can be deeply traumatic, leading to the development of PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance.
Social isolation
Segregation also fosters a sense of social isolation and marginalization. When individuals are separated from the broader community, they are denied opportunities for social interaction, networking, and the development of a strong sense of belonging. This social isolation can contribute to feelings of loneliness, alienation, and depression. Furthermore, segregated communities often lack access to quality resources and opportunities, including healthcare, education, and employment. This lack of access can further exacerbate feelings of hopelessness and powerlessness, contributing to mental health struggles.
Low self-esteem and self-worth
The constant exposure to negative stereotypes and societal biases associated with segregation can also have a detrimental impact on self-esteem and self-worth. Individuals may internalize these negative messages, leading to feelings of inferiority, shame, and self-doubt. This internalized oppression can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health problems. Moreover, the lack of positive role models and opportunities for upward mobility in segregated communities can further diminish hope and motivation, impacting mental well-being.
Impaired cognitive function
Cognitively, segregation can also have negative consequences. Studies have shown that chronic stress and exposure to discrimination can impair cognitive functions such as attention, memory, and executive function. This can impact academic performance, job prospects, and overall quality of life. Furthermore, living in segregated communities with limited access to quality education can further hinder cognitive development and academic achievement.
Intergenerational impacts
The impact of segregation on mental and cognitive health is intergenerational. The trauma and stress experienced by one generation can be passed down to subsequent generations through epigenetic changes and learned behaviors. This means that the effects of segregation can persist even after formal segregation policies are abolished, creating a lasting legacy of disadvantage and mental health disparities.
Segregation has far-reaching and detrimental effects on mental and cognitive health. From chronic stress and trauma to social isolation and internalized oppression, the consequences are multifaceted and long-lasting.