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This paper explores how physicians’ racial biases and Black patients’ past experiences of discrimination influence the length of medical consultations. Analyzing data from three studies, the research finds that doctors with high implicit bias tend to spend less time with Black patients, impacting the quality of healthcare. The study highlights the urgent need for interventions that address implicit bias and empower Black patients to advocate for equitable medical treatment.

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Reference: Do Bú, E. A., Madeira, F., Pereira, C. R., Hagiwara, N., & Vala, J. (2023). Intergroup time bias and aversive racism in the medical context. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/psp0000446

This paper uncovers how White medical trainees nonconsciously invest more time in White than Black patients, affecting diagnosis and treatment decisions. Through six studies, the research links this time bias to aversive racism—where future providers who claim to be non-prejudiced still exhibit implicit biases. The findings highlight how subtle discrimination shapes healthcare disparities, leading to lower diagnostic accuracy and pain assessment for Black patients. This study reveals an overlooked yet powerful mechanism behind racial inequities in medicine.​

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Reference: Do Bú, E. A., Madeira, F., Pereira, C. R., Hagiwara, N., & Vala, J. (2023). Intergroup time bias and aversive racism in the medical context. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/psp0000446

This study reveals that White medical trainees with stronger implicit racial biases invest less effort in clinical recommendations for Black patients—writing fewer words and suggesting fewer treatment options. Unlike past research that focused only on guideline consistency, this study uncovers subtle disparities in psychological investment. The findings expose how racial bias silently infiltrates healthcare, potentially worsening health outcomes. A must-read for anyone interested in tackling hidden discrimination in medicine!

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Reference: Duffy, C. M. C., Do Bú, E., Pereira, C. R., Madeira, F., & Hagiwara, N. (2024). Healthcare providers’ psychological investment in clinical recommendations: Investigating the role of implicit racial attitudes. Social Science & Medicine, 362, 117435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2024.117435

This study dives into the subtle but damaging effects of sexual orientation microaggressions on Brazilian LGB+ individuals, linking them to increased anxiety, depression, and stress. Through four studies with 678 participants, researchers validate the Brazilian adaptation of the Sexual Orientation Microaggressions Scale (SOMS-br), providing a powerful tool to measure discrimination. The findings expose how everyday biases silently erode well-being, reinforcing systemic inequalities. Essential reading for anyone interested in LGBTQ+ rights, psychology, and social justice!

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Reference: Silva, W. A. D., Do Bú, E. A., Brito, T. R. d. S., de Figueiredo, C. V., & Pereira, C. R. (2025). The impact of sexual orientation microaggressions on the mental health of Brazilian lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000807

The study explores the psychological impact of vitiligo, focusing on neuroticism, stress, and rumination as predictors of anxiety and depression. Analyzing a sample of 324 individuals, results indicate that stress and rumination mediate the link between neuroticism and mental health issues. Gender differences show that women experience more stress-related symptoms, while men are affected by brooding. The findings highlight the need for psychological interventions alongside medical treatments for vitiligo.

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Reference: Do Bú, E. A., Santos, V. M., Lima, K. S., Pereira, C. R., Alexandre, M. E. S., & Bezerra, V. A. S. (2022). Neuroticism, stress, and rumination in anxiety and depression of people with Vitiligo: An explanatory model. Acta Psychologica, 227, 103613. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actpsy.2022.103613

The study examines the influence of political and health-related factors on COVID-19 vaccine acceptance in Brazil. Results show that Bolsonaro voters were less likely to accept vaccination, particularly if they perceived lower vulnerability to disease. Exposure to Bolsonaro’s opposing or ambiguous messages further decreased vaccine acceptance among his voters. These findings highlight the role of political leadership in shaping public health behaviors.

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Reference: Lima, K. da S., Do Bú, E. A., Silva, W. A. D., Miranda, M. P., & Pereira, C. R. (2023). COVID-19 vaccination acceptance: A case of interplay between political and health dimensions. Political Psychology, 0(0), 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1111/pops.12893