Discrimination can impact mental wellbeing by which mechanism?

• A. Increases stress, lowers self-esteem, and can contribute to mental health problems
• B. Decreases stress and increases resilience
• C. Improves access to services
• D. Has no effect on mental wellbeing

Answer: (A)

Discrimination acts as a chronic psychosocial stressor that elevates stress levels and undermines self-esteem, which together can lead to mental health problems. When someone experiences discrimination, it triggers stress responses and ongoing appraisal of threat or unfairness, which over time can contribute to anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties. It also damages a person’s sense of belonging and self-worth, and can reduce access to social support and resources, further harming mental wellbeing.

The other options don’t fit because discrimination is not shown to reduce stress or increase resilience; it typically heightens stress and can erode resilience. It also doesn’t improve access to services; it can create barriers instead. And it clearly has an effect on mental wellbeing, so claiming no effect is inaccurate.