Center for Neuroscience and Behavior
Center for Neuroscience and Behavior
The Effects on the Brain of Islamophobia and Other Forms of Discrimination
The Effects on the Brain of Islamophobia and Other Forms of Discrimination
The Effects on the Brain of Islamophobia and Other Forms of Discrimination
Tuesday 20th June 2023
Discover how discrimination affects mental health and brain function with Dr. Jibran Khokhar on 'Lobes and Robes'. Explore solutions for a more inclusive society.
51 minutes
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Center for Neuroscience and Behavior
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Get the buttons here!The Neuroscience of Discrimination: Unpacking Its Impact on Mental Health
Episode Overview
- Dr. Khokhar discusses the adverse health effects of experiencing discrimination, including increased risks for depression, anxiety, stress, and suicide.
- The episode explores the significant consequences of discrimination on the brain, from heightened activity in the amygdala to understanding the genetic and environmental contributions to co-occurring substance use and serious mental illness.
- Insights are shared on the impact of media narratives on implicit bias and the role of allyship in combating discrimination.
- The conversation touches upon the need for culturally-informed therapeutic approaches and the implications of discrimination on brain development, mental health disorders, and societal dynamics.
- Dr. Khokhar's expertise and dedication to bridging scientific research with societal challenges drive the conversation towards actionable insights and the importance of effective public policy and law.
So there is a real need for us to work on that end of it as well. Recognize that these things are real, impact the brain, change the brain, sometimes permanently, and how we need to both acknowledge that as a society, but also try to build in supports for more culturally integrated therapeutic approaches, culturally informed therapeutic approaches, and how we may, and to also work towards undoing some of the distrust of the medical or the research establishment that exists in all sorts of minoritized communities and equity-deserving groups from Indigenous populations to Black Americans and Canadians to Muslims.
How does discrimination affect our brains? In this episode of 'Lobes and Robes', neuroscientist and anti-discrimination advocate Dr. Jibran Khokhar dives into the profound effects of race-based and identity group-based discrimination, such as Islamophobia, on mental health. Hosted by Dr. Susan Carl and Dr. Terry Davidson, this episode uncovers the unsettling reality of how experiencing discrimination can lead to heightened risks of depression, anxiety, stress, and even suicide. Dr.
Khokhar shares findings from various studies, showing that even indirect exposure to discrimination through media can trigger increased activity in the amygdala, the brain's fear center. The discussion doesn't stop at identifying problems; it also explores solutions. Dr. Khokhar emphasizes the importance of avoiding implicit bias and promoting inclusion and equity in academic settings and beyond. He advocates for culturally-informed therapeutic approaches and effective public policies to mitigate these harms.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the deep-seated effects of discrimination on mental health and seeking ways to foster a more inclusive society.