Internalized racism represents a critical component of the system of racial oppression wherein People of Color adopt the negative beliefs about their race held by members of the White majority group. In this meta-analysis, the authors reviewed 29 studies (32 effect sizes) on the relationships between internalized racism and negative physical and mental health outcomes published between 1999 and 2015 and tested for literature-driven moderator effects using subgroup analyses. Results suggested that the direct overall relation between internalized racism and health was strongest for negative mental health outcomes ( r = .26), followed by negative physical health outcomes ( r = .11). Significant moderator effects were found for scale of measurement, country of sample (United States vs. international), and sampling method. Moderator effects of gender, publication type, year, and sample setting were not statistically significant. These findings are discussed and their implications for practice, advocacy, education/training, and research are described.

among the varied determinants of social structure, race remains an enduring aspect of social categorization within the united states. Yet, as West, Klor de alva, and shorris (1996) remind us, "categories are constructed, scars and bruises are felt with human bodies" (p. 58.). similarly, more than a century ago, du Bois (1906) highlighted the pernicious effect of racial categorization when stating "The negro death rate and sickness are largely matters of social and economic condition, and not due to racial traits and tendencies" (p. 276). Through the words of these scholars and social commentators, we are reminded that racism is a real phenomenon that exacts a high and lasting toll on the health and well-being of its targets. as such, we as researchers and theorists have engaged this discussion of the impact of racism on people of color, with a sense of deep humility and respect, first pausing to acknowledge those who have resisted and sacrificed in the fight against racial oppression