Cumulative lifespan stress, inflammation, and racial disparities in mortality between black and white adults

JAMA Network Open

2026-01-26

(Press-News.org) About The Study: In this cohort study of St. Louis adults, heightened cumulative lifespan stress and elevated inflammation were associated with shorter survival among Black participants, suggesting these pathways may represent plausible mechanisms mediating racial disparities in mortality among Black and white U.S. individuals. The findings underscore the need for policies that address structural racism, alongside treatments that reduce inflammation and limit stress exposure to reduce mortality disparities.

Corresponding Author: To contact the corresponding author, Ryan Bogdan, PhD, email rbogdan@wustl.edu.

To access the embargoed study: Visit our For The Media website at this link https://media.jamanetwork.com/

(doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.54701)

Editor’s Note: Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, conflict of interest and financial disclosures, and funding and support.

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About JAMA Network Open: JAMA Network Open is an online-only open access general medical journal from the JAMA Network. On weekdays, the journal publishes peer-reviewed clinical research and commentary in more than 40 medical and health subject areas. Every article is free online from the day of publication.

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Cumulative lifespan stress, inflammation, and racial disparities in mortality between black and white adults

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