Abstract
Background. Experiences of racism are linked to negative physical and mental health outcomes among those exposed. According to quantitative research derived mainly from the USA, these negative outcomes can have cascading effects in families, when parents’ experiences of racism indirectly impact offspring. New research is warranted for UK families, informed by a qualitative approach to canvass community knowledge and perspectives, exploring how existing findings relate to lived experiences.
Method. We conducted four online focus groups with 14 parents of school aged children and 14 adolescents who had experienced racism in the UK. Participants were asked what children know of parents’ experiences of racism, and how these experiences can impact parent-child interactions, mental health, and wellbeing. Focus group recordings were transcribed, and data coded and analysed through Iterative Categorisation.
Results. Analyses drew four themes from participants’ insight. Together, themes illuminated the pervasive nature of racism experienced by some families in the UK. Parent and child experiences of racism were connected and co-occurring, with indirect effects impacting mental health and wellbeing in both generations. These experiences linked to both positive and negative changes in parenting behaviour and parent-child relationships, which could be moderated by intersecting identities such as the parent’s generational status for immigration to the UK. Social cohesion, safe spaces, and education programmes were highlighted for future intervention.
Conclusions. Findings corroborate existing literature, while further emphasising a broader bidirectional picture, requiring a family systems and intersectional approach to understanding the mental health impact of racism in families. Avenues for future research are discussed, to support development of equitable intervention and support strategies to prevent racism and support those affected.
Method. We conducted four online focus groups with 14 parents of school aged children and 14 adolescents who had experienced racism in the UK. Participants were asked what children know of parents’ experiences of racism, and how these experiences can impact parent-child interactions, mental health, and wellbeing. Focus group recordings were transcribed, and data coded and analysed through Iterative Categorisation.
Results. Analyses drew four themes from participants’ insight. Together, themes illuminated the pervasive nature of racism experienced by some families in the UK. Parent and child experiences of racism were connected and co-occurring, with indirect effects impacting mental health and wellbeing in both generations. These experiences linked to both positive and negative changes in parenting behaviour and parent-child relationships, which could be moderated by intersecting identities such as the parent’s generational status for immigration to the UK. Social cohesion, safe spaces, and education programmes were highlighted for future intervention.
Conclusions. Findings corroborate existing literature, while further emphasising a broader bidirectional picture, requiring a family systems and intersectional approach to understanding the mental health impact of racism in families. Avenues for future research are discussed, to support development of equitable intervention and support strategies to prevent racism and support those affected.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 181-191 |
| Journal | Child and Adolescent Mental Health |
| Volume | 29 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 25 Mar 2024 |
Keywords
- Racism
- Intergenerational Transmission
- Parenting
- Mental Health
- Child Development
