Seeing no pain: Assessing the generalizability of racial bias in pain perception

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Mende-Siedlecki ◽  
Jingrun Lin ◽  
Sloan Ferron ◽  
Christopher Gibbons ◽  
Alexis Drain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Emotion Recognition ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Pain Perception ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Negative Emotion ◽  
Racial Stereotypes ◽  
Total N ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Pain Care ◽  
Black Faces

Previous work demonstrates that racial disparities in pain care may stem, in part, from perceptual roots. It remains unresolved, however, whether this perceptual gap is driven by general deficits in intergroup emotion recognition, endorsement of specific racial stereotypes, or an interaction between the two. We conducted four experiments (total N = 635) assessing relationships between biases in pain perception and treatment with biases in the perception of anger, happiness, fear, and sadness. Participants saw Black and White targets making increasingly painful and angry (Experiment 1), happy (Experiment 2), fearful (Experiment 3), or sad expressions (Experiment 4). The effect of target race consistently varied based on the emotion presented. Participants consistently saw pain more readily on White (versus Black) faces. However, while the perception of sadness was also disrupted on Black faces, the perception of anger, fear, and happiness did not vary by target race. Moreover, the tendency to see pain less readily on Black faces predicted similar disruptions in recognizing (particularly negative) expressions, though only racial bias in pain perception facilitated similar biases in treatment. Finally, while endorsement of racial stereotypes about threat facilitated recognition of angry expressions and impeded recognition of happy expressions on Black faces, gaps in pain perception were not reliably related to stereotype endorsement. These data suggest that while racial bias in pain perception is associated with general disruptions in recognizing negative emotion on Black faces, the effects of target race on pain perception are particularly robust and have distinct consequences for gaps in treatment recommendations.

What factors fuel racial bias in pain perception and treatment?: A meta-analysis across 40 experimental studies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jingrun Lin ◽  
Alexis Drain ◽  
Azaadeh Goharzad ◽  
Peter Mende-Siedlecki
Keyword(s):  
Pain Perception ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Intergroup Contact ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Pain Care ◽  
Black Faces ◽  
Shed Light

Racial disparities in pain care may be linked to a perceptual source: perceivers see pain less readily on Black (versus white) faces. We conducted an internal meta-analysis (40 studies; N=6252) to assess the generalizability, robustness, and psychological bases of this phenomenon. Meta-analysis strongly confirmed race-based gaps in pain perception and treatment. Moreover, bias in perception consistently facilitated bias in treatment. These effects were robust to differences in stimuli, samples, and perceiver gender and race. Notably, both Black and white perceivers showed a tendency to see pain less readily on Black faces, suggesting this bias is not merely a consequence of group membership. Further, increased dehumanization of and decreased intergroup contact with Black individuals was associated with racial bias in pain perception and treatment, though these effects were small. These results demonstrate the robustness of perceptual contributions to racial pain disparities and shed light on potential targets for future intervention.

Assessing the speed, spontaneity, and robustness of racial bias in pain perception

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Mende-Siedlecki ◽  
Azaadeh Goharzad ◽  
Aizihaer Tuerxuntuoheti ◽  
Patrick Gilbert Mercado Reyes ◽  
Jingrun Lin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pain Perception ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Diagnostic Information ◽  
Racial Stereotypes ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Pain Experience ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Controlled Processing ◽  
Low Load ◽  
Other Information

A growing body of evidence demonstrates that perceivers recognize painful expressions less readily on Black (compared to white) faces. However, it is unclear whether this bias occurs independent of controlled processing (for example, the deliberate engagement of racial stereotypes) and whether this bias is still observed when other diagnostic information (e.g., self-reported pain experience) is available. Across five experiments we examined the speed, spontaneity, and robustness of racial bias in pain perception. First, we observed that racial bias in pain perception was still evident under minimal presentation conditions (as brief as 33ms) and was most apparent for ambiguous (versus high intensity) pain expressions (Exp. 1). Next, we manipulated the amount of cognitive load participants were under while viewing and rating Black and white faces in varying degrees of pain (Exps. 2A-B). Here, we observed that perceivers had more stringent thresholds for seeing pain on Black (versus white) faces regardless of whether participants were under high (versus low) load. Finally, we examined whether this bias would persist when participants were also provided with other information regarding targets’ pain – specifically, self-reported pain experience (Exps. 3A-B). While self-report information reduced perceivers’ thresholds for seeing pain overall, racial bias in pain perception was not reliably moderated by self-reported pain experience. Together, these data demonstrate that racial bias in pain perception occurs automatically, based on minimal visual input, and above and beyond other diagnostic information.

Masks and racial stereotypes in a pandemic: the case for surgical masks

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Leah Christiani ◽  
Christopher J. Clark ◽  
Steven Greene ◽  
Marc J. Hetherington ◽  
Emily M. Wager
Keyword(s):  
Black People ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
White Male ◽  
Elevated Risk ◽  
Racial Stereotypes ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Surgical Masks ◽  
Racial Resentment ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Male Model

Abstract To contain the spread of COVID-19, experts emphasize the importance of wearing masks. Unfortunately, this practice may put black people at elevated risk for being seen as potential threats by some Americans. In this study, we evaluate whether and how different types of masks affect perceptions of black and white male models. We find that non-black respondents perceive a black male model as more threatening and less trustworthy when he is wearing a bandana or a cloth mask than when he is not wearing his face covering—especially those respondents who score above average in racial resentment, a common measure of racial bias. When he is wearing a surgical mask, however, they do not perceive him as more threatening or less trustworthy. Further, it is not that non-black respondents find bandana and cloth masks problematic in general. In fact, the white model in our study is perceived more positively when he is wearing all types of face coverings. Although mandated mask wearing is an ostensibly race-neutral policy, our findings demonstrate the potential implications are not.

scholarly journals Racial Disparities in Mortality Among American Film Celebrities: A Wikipedia-Based Retrospective Cohort Study

10.2196/13871 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. e13871
Author(s):  
Hannah Speaks ◽  
Alyssa Falise ◽  
Kaitlin Grosgebauer ◽  
Dustin Duncan ◽  
Adam Carrico
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Semiparametric Regression ◽  
The United States ◽  
Occupational Prestige ◽  
American Film ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
All Cause Mortality

Background In the United States, well-documented racial disparities in health outcomes are frequently attributed to racial bias and socioeconomic inequalities. However, it remains unknown whether racial disparities in mortality persist among those with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and occupational prestige. Objective As the celebrity population is generally characterized by high levels of SES and occupational prestige, this study aimed to examine survival differences between black and white film celebrities. Methods Using a Web-based, open-source encyclopedia (ie, Wikipedia), data for 5829 entries of randomly selected American film actors and actresses born between 1900 and 2000 were extracted. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was conducted using 4356 entries to compare the difference in survival by race. A Cox semiparametric regression analysis examined whether adjusting for year of birth, gender, and cause of death influenced differences in survival by race. Results Most celebrities were non-Hispanic white (3847/4352, 88.4%), male (3565/4352, 81.9%), and born in the United States (4187/4352, 96.2%). Mean age at death for black celebrities (64.1; 95% CI 60.6-67.5 years) was 6.4 years shorter than that for white celebrities (70.5; 95% CI 69.6-71.4 years; P<.001). Black celebrities had a faster all-cause mortality rate using Kaplan-Meier survival function estimates and a log-rank test. However, in a Cox semiparametric regression, there was no longer a significant difference in survival times between black and white celebrities (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% CI 0.87-1.31). Conclusions There is some evidence that racial disparities in all-cause mortality may persist at higher levels of SES, but this association was no longer significant in adjusted analyses. Further research is needed to examine if racial disparities in mortality are diminished at higher levels of SES among more representative populations.

scholarly journals Racial Disparities in Mortality Among American Film Celebrities: A Wikipedia-Based Retrospective Cohort Study (Preprint)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hannah Speaks ◽  
Alyssa Falise ◽  
Kaitlin Grosgebauer ◽  
Dustin Duncan ◽  
Adam Carrico
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Semiparametric Regression ◽  
The United States ◽  
Occupational Prestige ◽  
American Film ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Kaplan Meier ◽  
All Cause Mortality

BACKGROUND In the United States, well-documented racial disparities in health outcomes are frequently attributed to racial bias and socioeconomic inequalities. However, it remains unknown whether racial disparities in mortality persist among those with higher socioeconomic status (SES) and occupational prestige. OBJECTIVE As the celebrity population is generally characterized by high levels of SES and occupational prestige, this study aimed to examine survival differences between black and white film celebrities. METHODS Using a Web-based, open-source encyclopedia (ie, Wikipedia), data for 5829 entries of randomly selected American film actors and actresses born between 1900 and 2000 were extracted. A Kaplan-Meier survival curve was conducted using 4356 entries to compare the difference in survival by race. A Cox semiparametric regression analysis examined whether adjusting for year of birth, gender, and cause of death influenced differences in survival by race. RESULTS Most celebrities were non-Hispanic white (3847/4352, 88.4%), male (3565/4352, 81.9%), and born in the United States (4187/4352, 96.2%). Mean age at death for black celebrities (64.1; 95% CI 60.6-67.5 years) was 6.4 years shorter than that for white celebrities (70.5; 95% CI 69.6-71.4 years; <italic>P</italic>&lt;.001). Black celebrities had a faster all-cause mortality rate using Kaplan-Meier survival function estimates and a log-rank test. However, in a Cox semiparametric regression, there was no longer a significant difference in survival times between black and white celebrities (hazard ratio 1.07; 95% CI 0.87-1.31). CONCLUSIONS There is some evidence that racial disparities in all-cause mortality may persist at higher levels of SES, but this association was no longer significant in adjusted analyses. Further research is needed to examine if racial disparities in mortality are diminished at higher levels of SES among more representative populations.

Perceptual contributions to racial bias in pain recognition

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Mende-Siedlecki ◽  
Jennie Wen Qu-Lee ◽  
Robert Backer ◽  
Jay Joseph Van Bavel
Keyword(s):  
Pain Perception ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Pain Treatment ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Pain Tolerance ◽  
Intergroup Bias ◽  
Racial Biases ◽  
Pain Recognition ◽  
Black Faces ◽  
Biological Differences

The pain of Black Americans is systematically under-diagnosed and under-treated, compared to the pain of their White counterparts. Extensive research has examined the psychological factors that might account for such biases, including status judgments, racial prejudice, and stereotypes about biological differences between Blacks and Whites. Across seven experiments we accumulated evidence that lower-level perceptual processes also uniquely contribute to downstream racial biases in pain recognition. We repeatedly observed that White participants showed more stringent thresholds for perceiving pain on Black faces, compared to White faces. A tendency to see painful expressions on Black faces less readily arose, in part, from a disruption in configural processing associated with other-race faces. Subsequent analyses revealed that this racial bias in pain perception could not be easily attributed to stimulus features (e.g., color, luminance, or contrast), subjective evaluations related to pain tolerance and experience (e.g., masculinity, dominance, etc.), or objective differences in face structure and expression intensity between Black and White faces. Finally, we observed that racial biases in perception facilitated biases in pain treatment decisions, and that this relationship existed over and above biased judgments of status and strength, explicit racial bias, and endorsement of false beliefs regarding biological differences. A meta-analysis across nine total experiments (N = 1289) confirmed the robustness and size of these effects. This research establishes a subtle, albeit influential, perceptual pathway to intergroup bias in pain care and treatment. Implications for racial bias, face perception, and medical treatment are discussed.

Racial Bias in Perceptions of Size and Strength: The Impact of Stereotypes and Group Differences

2019 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 553-562 ◽  
Author(s):  
David J. Johnson ◽  
John Paul Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Racial Bias ◽  
Racial Stereotypes ◽  
Group Differences ◽  
Racial Groups ◽  
Group Level ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Real Group ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Physical Features ◽  
The Impact

Recent research has shown that race can influence perceptions of men’s size and strength. Across two studies (Study 1: N = 1,032, Study 2: N = 303) examining men and women from multiple racial groups (Asian, Black, and White adults), we found that although race does impact judgments of size and strength, raters’ judgments primarily track targets’ objective physical features. In some cases, racial stereotypes actually improved group-level accuracy, as these stereotypes aligned with racial-group differences in size and strength according to nationally representative data. We conclude that individuals primarily rely on individuating information when making physical judgments but do not completely discount racial stereotypes, which reflect a combination of real group-level differences and culturally transmitted beliefs.

scholarly journals Racial disparities in school-based disciplinary actions are associated with county-level rates of racial bias

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (17) ◽  
pp. 8255-8260 ◽  
Author(s):  
Travis Riddle ◽  
Stacey Sinclair
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Black Students ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
White Students ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
The United States ◽  
County Level ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Racial Biases ◽  
Using Data

There are substantial gaps in educational outcomes between black and white students in the United States. Recently, increased attention has focused on differences in the rates at which black and white students are disciplined, finding that black students are more likely to be seen as problematic and more likely to be punished than white students are for the same offense. Although these disparities suggest that racial biases are a contributor, no previous research has shown associations with psychological measurements of bias and disciplinary outcomes. We show that county-level estimates of racial bias, as measured using data from approximately 1.6 million visitors to the Project Implicit website, are associated with racial disciplinary disparities across approximately 96,000 schools in the United States, covering around 32 million white and black students. These associations do not extend to sexuality biases, showing the specificity of the effect. These findings suggest that acknowledging that racial biases and racial disparities in education go hand-in-hand may be an important step in resolving both of these social ills.

scholarly journals Reducing Racial Health Care Disparities

2014 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 204-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louis A. Penner ◽  
Irene V. Blair ◽  
Terrance L. Albrecht ◽  
John F. Dovidio
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Racial Disparities ◽  
Health Care Disparities ◽  
Racial Bias ◽  
Care Delivery ◽  
Implicit Bias ◽  
Health Care Delivery System ◽  
Black And White ◽  
Black Patients ◽  
The Impact

Large health disparities persist between Black and White Americans. The social psychology of intergroup relations suggests some solutions to health care disparities due to racial bias. Three paths can lead from racial bias to poorer health among Black Americans. First is the already well-documented physical and psychological toll of being a target of persistent discrimination. Second, implicit bias can affect physicians’ perceptions and decisions, creating racial disparities in medical treatments, although evidence is mixed. The third path describes a less direct route: Physicians’ implicit racial bias negatively affects communication and the patient–provider relationship, resulting in racial disparities in the outcomes of medical interactions. Strong evidence shows that physician implicit bias negatively affects Black patients’ reactions to medical interactions, and there is good circumstantial evidence that these reactions affect health outcomes of the interactions. Solutions focused on the physician, the patient, and the health care delivery system; all agree that trying to ignore patients’ race or to change physicians’ implicit racial attitudes will not be effective and may actually be counterproductive. Instead, solutions can minimize the impact of racial bias on medical decisions and on patient–provider relationships.

Racial Disparities in Allergic Outcomes Persist to Age 10 Years in Black and White Children

PEDIATRICS ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 146 (Supplement 4) ◽  
pp. S330.2-S331
Author(s):  
Timothy Chow ◽  
Jeffrey Chambliss
Keyword(s):  
Racial Disparities ◽  
White Children ◽  
Black And White
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