BLACK PARENT’S experiences of racism can have a detrimental affect on their children’s mental health, according to a new study.
Conducted by Centre for Mental Health and King’s College London, the study called A Constant Battle, found when Black children experience racism it deeply negatively impacts their parents.
The study published this week, to mark World Mental Health Day, found that racism also has far-reaching impacts on the relationships between parents and children.
Based on research with both parents and teenagers from UK racialised communities, the briefing finds that both past and present experiences of racism can affect mental health across generations of a family.
One participant described the daily fight against racism as “a constant battle that knocks you”.
Parents referred to the “heavy” sadness of seeing their child experience racism at school, and one participant described “always [being] in that high-stress sensitive state because you’re always being triggered”.
Another participant referred to the heightened fear for themselves and their family caused by racist threats on social media following England’s loss at Euro 2020.
Kadra Abdinasir, Associate Director of Policy at Centre for Mental Health, said: “We know that racism harms people’s mental health and can have a lasting impact.
“This research builds on earlier studies demonstrating the trauma racism causes, while also highlighting the shared and distinct experiences of parents and teenagers in the UK.
“Like other forms of trauma, racial trauma requires a deep understanding and action from a broad range of practitioners and policymakers to better protect and support those affected.”
Influence
The research also found that daily experiences of racism also influence parent-child relationships, with parents attempting to limit their children’s exposure to racism and having to answer their children’s questions about racism.
Dr Yasmin Ahmadzadeh, Postdoctoral Research Associate at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King’s College London, said: “There are cascading effects in families following experiences of racism – impacting parenting, parent-child relationships, and family mental health.
“Parents and teenagers shared their first-hand knowledge and experiences through this research. Teenagers described growing up in British society that is biased against them and their parents, which they hope will change.
“Meanwhile, parents grappled with the reality that racism impacts their children, after generations of battling for change, and that their children must learn to adapt and cope. Our work documents urgent need for action by policymakers, teachers, mental health practitioners and researchers, who can help alleviate the burden on families facing racism.”
A Constant Battle is calling on the Government to commit to tackling all forms of racism through a cross-government strategy.
It also says that the Department for Health and Social Care and NHS England should fully resource work with racialised communities to design more racially equitable mental health support.