[renlo]

Isn't it just that people who are 'more diligent and [tend] to strive for success' tax their bodies more by working harder? Whereas 'lazier' people tend to give their bodies more time to recuperate? Adversity isn't the cause; it's working to overcome adversity. Similarly, being rich doesn't make one healther; being rich gives one more access to healthcare and the means to take time off of work. I think the distinction is important.

[trustfundbaby]

True, but this is the telling bit

> The focus on black adolescents is significant. In much of this research, white Americans appeared somehow to be immune to the negative health effects that accompany relentless striving. As Dr. Brody put it when telling me about the Pittsburgh study, “We found this for black persons from disadvantaged backgrounds, but not white persons.”

[autokad]

I am not convinced.

they are using a person's ability to get a cold (by having it basically sprayed in their face) as their operational definition of health.

to me this is extremely flawed. not only does past exposure play a huge role, so does DNA, let alone other behavioral habits that may separate the groups beyond just 'the system is against them'.

i dont know anything about who was selected in the Pittsburgh study, but being from that area I know there is huge opportunity for ethnic selection bias even within the 'white' group.

[sunstone]

Following on the comment of majkinetor above it's not impossible that black youth are also much more deficient in Vitamin D on average. It could be a confounding factor.