DefinePK

Abstract

Colorism is a phenomenon of social stratification based on skin complexion that has profound psychological effects. The purpose of this systematic review was to examine critically the psychological consequences of colorism across cultures. To evaluate past studies, current systematic review used Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines (2009), which consisted of a four-phase flow diagram and a 27-item checklist. This review included the multidimensionality of colorism and highlighted most of research done in this line of direction from 2012 to 2022. Quantitative studies (N =13) and qualitative studies (N =3) were selected after screening based on eligibility criteria. In selected qualitative studies, an interpretative phenomenological approach was used, and correlational research design was used in most of the quantitative research. The findings illustrated that colorism significantly affected the mental health of people with darker skin tone. The current review highlighted that majority of research in this domain is done in individualistic society. So, it calls for research on psychological consequences of colorism in collectivistic culture and future researchers need to differentiate the concepts of concept of colorism and racism.