Impact of microaggressions

In their seminal work, Solorzano & Huber (2020) explored the profound impact of microaggressions on individuals. They found that these subtle forms of discrimination can lead to negative psychological and physiological effects. These effects are not isolated incidents; rather, they can be cumulative, leading to heightened levels of stress and anxiety.

Surviers of microaggressions often experience a range of emotions, including anger, frustration and self-doubt. This emotional toll can manifest in various ways, such as mundane extreme environmental stress, racial battle fatigue and racial trauma. Physiological responses, such as elevated blood pressure, are also common. In an academic context, these experiences can lead to academic self-doubt, further hindering a student’s ability to succeed.

Interestingly, when confronted about their behavior, perpetrators of microaggressions often downplay their actions. Common responses include: “That’s not what I meant,” “It was just a joke,” “You’re taking this too seriously,” “You’re being too sensitive,” “Don’t act like a victim,” and “But I meant it as a compliment.” These dismissive reactions further invalidate the experiences of the victims, adding to their emotional burden.