Police interactions may increase epigenetic age in youth of color

New research from the University of Minnesota shows that stress caused by negative interactions with police can increase epigenetic age, which is a biological indicator that may differ from chronological age. Previous research has shown that this stress can age adults faster, but few studies have examined increased epigenetic aging in children.

The study, published in JAMA Pediatricsfound that negative police encounters were associated with greater epigenetic acceleration of age, especially among black youth who experienced more police interference than any other racial or ethnic group.

Key findings include:

• The epigenetic age acceleration for black youth is partly attributable to negative encounters with the police, such as racist comments and checks.
• Black youth have experienced police burglary at higher rates than white youth.
• Negative police encounters occurred as early as age 8 and on average at age 13.
• White youth experienced the lowest rates of accelerated epigenetic aging.

“Aging is a natural process in human life, but faster aging is associated with many negative health consequences, including increased mortality,” said Juan Del Toro, assistant professor at the U of M College of Liberal Arts and lead author.

“Emerging evidence suggests we can slow epigenetic aging, and we hope to contribute to that research moving forward for better long-term health outcomes.”

Future research will examine strategies to slow epigenetic age acceleration among ethnically and racially minority communities and will focus on addressing interpersonal and structural discrimination in policing.