Final answer:
The stronger association between discrimination and health for U.S.-born ethnic minorities compared to immigrants likely relates to social integration in the U.S., where systemic racism and inequality in healthcare exacerbate health disparities among these groups.
Step-by-step explanation:
The association between discrimination and health being stronger for U.S.-born members of certain ethnic minority groups than for immigrant members of the same groups suggests that the possible effect of discrimination on health is most likely related to social integration in the U.S. This implies that the more an individual is integrated and socialized within the U.S. social system, the more they may be subject to the prevailing discriminatory stressors that impact mental and physical health.
Discrimination can be considered an uncontrollable and chronic stressor that leads to an acute stress response, which when experienced repeatedly, contributes to numerous health problems, including depression and heart disease. Moreover, studies indicate that forms of discrimination, such as colorism within ethnic groups, can vary in their intensity based on factors like skin tone,which then can further impact mental and physical health.
Racial and health disparities in the U.S. have been long-standing, with factors such as racism, systemic inequality, and a lack of healthcare equity contributing to worse health outcomes for minority groups.
Answer: D. social integration in the U.S.