The relationship between racial trauma and mental health outcomes in young adulthood: a UK perspective

Background: Racial trauma, a growing public health concern, captures the cumulative distress caused by racism, discrimination, and systemic inequalities. While much of the existing research has been United States (US)-centric, this study explores racial trauma within a United Kingdom (UK) context. Theory Grounded in a developmental psychology and cumulative stress frameworks, the study examines racial trauma among young adults (ages 18–30) in the UK and its relationship with depression, anxiety, and PTSD, whilst considering intersectional demographic and socio-cultural factors. Method: In a cross-sectional online survey, 156 participants completed validated measures of racial adversity, racial trauma, depression, anxiety and PTSD. Results Racial adversity was strongly associated with racial trauma (lifetime β = .618; recent β = .621). After adjusting for gender, immigration generation and regional diversity, racial trauma stayed significant only for PTSD. Those in more diverse regions reported lower trauma and distress, though regional effects were small. Discussion: This study highlights the urgency of addressing racial adversity through systemic and policy-level interventions, particularly in less diverse areas. By situating racial trauma within a UK context, the research contributes to a growing body of literature that examines the public health impacts of racism.