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More information on discrimination and health

The U.S. population is growing more and more diverse. However, discrimination, stereotyping and bias ensure that some groups continue to be excluded and marginalized while wrapping a blanket of inclusion, security and opportunity around others. We often focus on stereotyping by individuals, which is important, but we also need to look at the biases embedded in our institutions and systems, which magnify the impact of individual prejudices throughout society.

Extensive psychological research has documented the enormous toll on human capital of these systemic biases, stereotypes and discrimination, as well as the powerful positive impact of support for social diversity on the health of our entire population. This report by APA’s Task Force on Discrimination and Diversity summarizes this research, looking at diversity in terms of race, ethnicity, (dis)ability, gender, class, age and sexual identity, and recommends proven strategies we as a society can use to promote diversity and reduce discrimination and its negative impact.

APA’s Task Force on Discrimination and Diversity Report

Dual Pathways to a Better America:  Preventing Discrimination and Promoting Diversity

Further reading

Psychology Benefits Society blog posts

Date created: 2016

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