The Role of the Behavioral Inhibition System in the Association Between Discrimination and Externalizing Behaviors for African American Adolescents'

Introduction: Racial discrimination is a phenomenon that is chronic and detrimental for African American adolescents. Several studies evince an association between their experiences with racial discrimination and conduct disorder and aggression. However, not all youth who experience racial discrimination develop externalizing behavior. These differences could be explained by individual differences in neurobiological systems that affect one’s perception and reactivity to environmental cues. Specifically, Gray (1981) proposed that the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS) regulates sensitivity to threat and punishment cues, and motivates avoidance, behavioral inhibition, and anxiety. Those who have a highly reactive BIS may perceive instances of racial discrimination as more threatening and distressing. To date, research examining BIS among African American adolescents is lacking; thus, it is not known whether BIS moderates the association between racial discrimination and externalizing behaviors (aggression, conduct behavior) among these youth. The following hypotheses were tested: (1) BIS will moderate the relationship between racial discrimination and externalizing behavior such that high BIS will protect against high levels of aggression and conduct behavior for youth who have experienced high levels of racial discrimination; (2) Given gender differences in the association between racial discrimination and youth externalizing behavior, BIS will be more protective for males than females. 

Method: Participants were a community sample of African American adolescents (N=429; 53% male) living in an urban metropolitan area. In grade 9, adolescents reported their experience with racial discrimination in the past year, and behavioral inhibition. Teachers reported adolescents’ aggression and conduct disorder. Moderation was examined using hierarchical linear regression techniques. Main effects were centered, and these mean-deviated scores were used to compute interaction terms.

Results: BIS moderated the association between racial discrimination and males’ aggressive behavior such that there was a negative association between discrimination and aggression for males reporting high BIS, but no association for males reporting low BIS. BIS was not similarly protective for females.

Conclusion: Results suggest that BIS reduces aggressive behavior for African American adolescent males. This may be due to males learning to avoid situations in which they believe racial discrimination is present. They also may fear the consequences of reacting aggressively. This finding has implications for preventive interventions aimed at reducing maladaptive externalizing behaviors in males who have experienced racial discrimination.