A 2016 survey-based study based on the Race-Based Trauma theory investigated how people of color may experience the impacts of racial discrimination similarly to psychological trauma. Focusing on dissociation, a common symptom of PTSD, the study found that higher incidences of racial discrimination are associated with stronger, more frequent dissociative symptoms. However, individuals employing active coping strategies were more likely to have weaker, less frequent dissociative symptoms. Participants were surveyed regarding their experiences and frequency of discrimination, responses to racial discrimination, previous history of traumatic life events, and dissociation symptoms.