New research conducted by the University of Minnesota has shed light on the impact of negative interactions with police on the epigenetic age of youth. Epigenetic age is a biological indicator that can differ from chronological age, and stress caused by such encounters can accelerate the aging process. While previous studies have shown this effect on adults, this research focused on children.
Published in JAMA Pediatrics, the study found that negative police encounters were linked to increased epigenetic age acceleration, particularly among Black youth who experienced more police intrusion compared to other racial or ethnic groups. Key findings of the study include the following:
– Epigenetic age acceleration in Black youth was partially caused by negative police encounters like racial slurs and stop-and-frisks.
– Black youth reported experiencing a higher number of police intrusions compared to white youth.
– Negative police interactions were reported as early as 8 years old, with an average age of 13 years old.
– White youth exhibited the lowest rates of accelerated epigenetic aging.
Juan Del Toro, an assistant professor at the U of M College of Liberal Arts and lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of understanding rapid aging’s negative health outcomes. The research aims to contribute to strategies that can slow down epigenetic age acceleration and improve long-term health outcomes.
Future research will focus on developing interventions to address epigenetic age acceleration in ethnically and racially minoritized communities, with a specific emphasis on tackling interpersonal and structural discrimination in policing.
For more information, the study “Longitudinal Changes in Epigenetic Age Acceleration Across Childhood and Adolescence” can be found in JAMA Pediatrics. The University of Minnesota provided this research, and more details can be accessed on their website.
In conclusion, this groundbreaking study highlights the impact of police interactions on the epigenetic age of youth, particularly those from minority communities. By addressing these issues and developing strategies for intervention, researchers aim to improve the overall health outcomes of these vulnerable populations.
