Learning critical Black history can change white perspectives on racism in health care

Key takeawaysTwo-thirds of white Americans believe that Black Americans do not experience racism or racial inequities in health care.UCLA psychologists exposed white study participants to the well-documented history of medical-related mistreatment of Black Americans.Subsequently, white participants were more likely to adopt a new perspective and support policies aimed at reducing racial disparities in health care.Being exposed to some of the many historical incidences of anti-Black racism in American health care can contribute to white peoples ’ recognition of health disparities currently faced by Black Americans and lead to their support for policies that aim to create more equitable health outcomes, according to UCLA psychologists.Theirfindings are published todayinthe peer-reviewed Journal of Experimental Psychology: General.Poorer health outcomes for Black Americans, compared with white Americans, are well-documented in many areas, including infant mortality, life expectancy, hypertension, heart disease and breast cancer mortality. However, 67% of white Americans say they do not believe that racism exists for Black Americansin the health care system.The researchers sought to determine whether white Americans would attempt to understand racial inequities from the perspective of Black Americans after being exposed to history lessons about Black experiences in health care and whether such “perspective-taking” would lead to greater recognition of racism in health care ...
Source: UCLA Newsroom: Health Sciences - Category: Universities & Medical Training Source Type: news