Stress and Wellbeing Study v.1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the Impact of Perceived Racial Discrimination on the Physiological Stress Response in People from Ethnic Minority Backgrounds in the UK: An Experimental Study Using the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST)
IRAS ID
354906
Contact name
Leah Warren
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Leeds
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
In the UK, individuals from ethnic minority backgrounds often experience poorer mental and physical health. Specifically, those who report experiencing racial discrimination have poorer outcomes than those who do not. It is important to investigate how and why racial discrimination influences health, in order to promote a healthier and more equitable society. It is proposed that one way that these experiences influence negative health is through damaging the body’s stress response system. The current study will recruit two groups of individuals from ethnic minority groups (aged 18-65): one group who report experiencing a high frequency of racial discrimination and another who report low levels. Participants will be identified from an existing survey that measures experiences of racial discrimination where people voluntarily left their details to express interest in future research.
The research will take part at the Laboratory for Stress and Health research at The University of Leeds. Participants will be required to take part in the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST; a scientific method used to measure how the body responds to stress). The test involves submersing their hand in very cold water (a mild physical stressor) whilst doing quick mental math problems (a mental stressor). This combination is designed to trigger a natural stress response, including an increase in heart rate and the release of stress hormones like cortisol. Regular measurements of blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol (a stress hormone) and alpha amylase (an enzyme indicative of stress) will be taken. Other psychological responses to the stress (such as feelings of anxiety, or overthinking) will also be measured. The study will last 1 hour and 15 minutes.
The main aim is to investigate the link between the frequency of perceived racial discrimination (PRD) and physiological reactivity to stress.
REC name
London - Surrey Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/LO/0422
Date of REC Opinion
6 Jun 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion