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Interpersonal Perspectives on Black–White Health Disparities: Social Policy Implications
Author(s) -
Penner Louis A.,
Albrecht Terrance L.,
Coleman Donyell K.,
Norton Wynne E.
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
social issues and policy review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.798
H-Index - 35
eISSN - 1751-2409
pISSN - 1751-2395
DOI - 10.1111/j.1751-2409.2007.00004.x
Subject(s) - health equity , socioeconomic status , prejudice (legal term) , race and health , health care , interpersonal communication , social determinants of health , psychology , mental health , gerontology , medicine , environmental health , social psychology , political science , psychiatry , population , law
There are large and persistent disparities between the health status of Blacks and Whites in the United States. On average, the mental and physical health of Blacks is much poorer than Whites. In this article, we discuss several potential direct causes of Black–White disparities in health status, which include biological or genetic factors, prejudice and related processes, and socioeconomic factors. We also consider how the system‐level, patient‐level, and provider‐level components of healthcare contribute to disparities in health status. We examine in detail the psychological processes associated with patient‐ and provider‐level factors that may produce healthcare disparities. Of particular interest is the potential impact of racial attitudes and stereotypes on provider–patient interactions. Finally, we propose possible directions for future research on health disparities and discuss policy changes that might reduce disparities in health status and healthcare between social groups.