Research is also needed to elucidate the linkages between experiences of discrimination and processes of illness. Ackerman et al. (2002) examined the role of life events in exacerbating episodes of multiple sclerosis (MS). They followed 23 women with MS for a year and conducted a weekly assessment of stress. They found that life events served to rapidly precipitate the relapse and the progression of disease, occurring an average of 14 days before the exacerbation of MS. The study also found that a broad range of stressors were equally associated with the processes of exacerbating the disease. This type of intensive study can serve as a useful model for future research that can shed light on the pathways from discrimination to health.
