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Chapel Hill Today
By the People, for the People
Study Finds Colourism Linked to Health Disparities in Black Americans
Research shows darker-skinned Black Americans face accelerated cellular aging and lower self-worth.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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A study of Black Americans found that those with darker skin tones, whether actual or self-rated, had shorter leukocyte telomere length and a diminished "sense of mattering" compared to lighter-skinned participants. These biological and psychological factors are associated with poorer health outcomes. The researchers say the findings highlight how colourism-related stress can "get under the skin" to produce health inequities.
Why it matters
Colourism, a legacy of colonial and historical practices that gives preference to lighter skin tones within racial groups, has been shown to lead to social and economic inequities. This study provides evidence that colourism can also contribute to health disparities among Black Americans, raising important questions about equity and justice.
The details
The study analyzed data from 627 Black American adults who participated in the Nashville Stress and Health Study between 2011 and 2014. Researchers found that those with darker skin tones, whether actual or self-rated, had shorter leukocyte telomere length and a diminished "sense of mattering" compared to lighter-skinned participants. These patterns held regardless of age, sex or socioeconomic status. Shorter leukocyte telomere length is associated with accelerated cellular degradation, chronic inflammation and immune system damage, which in turn increases the risks of various diseases, including heart disease and cancer.
- The study was published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior in 2026.
The players
Alexis C. Dennis
An assistant professor in McGill's Department of Sociology and the lead author of the study.
What they’re saying
“These findings provide evidence that colourism-related pressures are associated with biological and psychological differences in well-being among Black Americans.”
— Alexis C. Dennis, Lead author (Journal of Health and Social Behavior)
“Experiences of discrimination and structural inequality reinforce the message that 'whiteness' is preferred. This may damage an individual's sense of themselves and trigger social pain, a form of emotional distress that activates chronic inflammation. Over time, this can accelerate cellular aging and increase the risk of various diseases.”
— Alexis C. Dennis, Lead author (Journal of Health and Social Behavior)
What’s next
The researchers suggested that future studies focused on other Black populations use biomarkers other than telomere length, which they said is no longer the best measure of epigenetic aging, and consider other physical traits in addition to skin tone.
The takeaway
This study highlights the significant health impacts of colourism, a pervasive form of discrimination that has long-lasting consequences for the well-being of Black Americans. It underscores the need for greater awareness and action to address the systemic inequities rooted in this legacy of racism.
