"Where Are You From?"-on Separation, Belonging and Imposter Syndrome as an International Medical Graduate.

Minoritized international medical graduates (IMGs) in American graduate medical education (GME) programs face a disproportionately higher number of intersectional micro- and macroaggressions. In order to create a healthier, more equitable learning environment, GME programs must make greater efforts to understand intersectionality, provide IMG trainees with additional support systems, incorporate effective bystander training, and celebrate and acknowledge the contributions of their minoritized IMG trainees.

Workplace microaggressions: results of a survey of the American College of Surgeons members.

BACKGROUND: Workplace microaggressions are a longstanding but understudied problem in the surgical specialties. Microaggressions in health care are linked to negative emotional and physical health outcomes and can contribute to burnout and suboptimal delivery of patient care. They also negatively impact recruitment, retention, and promotion, which often results in attrition. Further attrition at the time of an impending surgical workforce shortage risks compromising the delivery of health care to the diverse US population, and may jeopardize the financial stability of health care organizations. To date, studies on microaggressions have consisted of small focus groups comprising women faculty or trainees at a single institution. To our knowledge, there are no large, multiorganizational, gender-inclusive studies on microaggressions experienced by practicing surgeons. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the demographic and occupational characteristics of surgeons who do and do not report experiencing workplace microaggressions and whether these experiences would influence a decision to pursue a career in surgery again. STUDY DESIGN: We developed and internally validated a web-based survey to assess surgeon experiences with microaggressions and the associated sequelae. The survey was distributed through a convenience sample of 9 American College of Surgeons online Communities from November 2022 to January 2023. All American College of Surgeons Communities comprised members who had completed residency or fellowship training and had experience in the surgical workforce. The survey contained demographic, occupational, and validated microaggression items. Analyses include descriptive and chi-square statistics, t tests, and bivariable and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 377 American College of Surgeons members with the following characteristics: working as a surgeon (80.9%), non-Hispanic White (71.8%), general surgeons (71.0%), aged ≥50 years (67.4%), fellowship-trained (61.0%), and women (58.4%). A total of 254 (67.4%) respondents reported experiencing microaggressions. Younger surgeons (P=.002), women (P<.001), and fellowship-trained surgeons (P=.001) were more likely to report experiencing microaggressions than their counterparts. Surgeons working in academic medical centers or health care systems with teaching responsibilities were more likely to experience microaggressions than those in private practice (P<.01). Surgeons currently working as a surgeon or those who are unable to work reported more experience with microaggressions (P=.003). There was no difference in microaggressions experienced among respondents based on surgical specialty, race/ethnicity, or whether the surgeons reported having a disability. In multivariable logistic regression, women had higher odds of experiencing microaggressions compared with men (adjusted odds ratio, 15.9; 95% confidence interval, 7.7-32.8), and surgeons in private practice had significantly lower odds of experiencing microaggressions compared with surgeons in academic medicine (adjusted odds ratio, 0.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.8) or in health care systems with teaching responsibilities (adjusted odds ratio, 0.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.6). Among surgeons responding to an online survey, respondents reporting microaggressions were less likely to say that they would choose a career in surgery again (P<.001). CONCLUSION: Surgeons reporting experience with microaggressions represent a diverse range of surgical specialties and subspecialties. With the continued expansion of surgeon gender and race/ethnicity representation, deliberate efforts to address and eliminate workplace microaggressions could have broad implications for improving recruitment and retention of surgeons.

Black Young Adult Superwomen in the Face of Gendered Racial Microaggressions: Contextualizing Challenges With Acceptance and Avoidance and Emotional Eating.

BACKGROUND: Black young adult women (ages 18-35) are at disproportionate risk for obesity and emotional eating. Emotional eating interventions target psychological flexibility, such as reducing experiential avoidance and increasing acceptance of food-related thoughts. Yet Black women face gendered racism, and some endorse roles that reduce psychological flexibility, such as the superwoman schema role. Culturally centered stress and coping has often been overlooked, leading to an incomplete understanding of processes that engender emotional eating and the implications for appropriate and effective interventions for Black young adult women. PURPOSE: We investigated direct and indirect pathways of associations between stress from gendered racial microaggressions to emotional eating through the endorsement of superwoman schema and two aspects of psychological flexibility. METHODS: Black young adult women (N = 504; Mage = 24.72; 75.2% African American; 98.4% cisgender) participated in an online survey wherein they reported demographics, stress from gendered racial microaggressions, superwoman schema, experiential avoidance, acceptance of food-related thoughts, and emotional eating. Path analysis was conducted to examine direct and indirect effects. RESULTS: Results provided evidence for indirect associations between more stress from gendered racial microaggressions and more emotional eating. More stress was associated with greater endorsement of the superwoman schema which was associated with more experiential avoidance and less acceptance of food-related thoughts, which were each associated with more emotional eating. CONCLUSIONS: Endorsement of superwoman schema and concomitant avoidance and less acceptance may be one way that gendered racial stress propels emotional eating. Future research could test intervention components that disrupt this path.

Emotional eating is eating in order to alleviate negative emotions, like those from stress. Black young adult women face particular forms of stress from being mistreated at the intersection of their race and gender. This research was needed to better understand processes that engender emotional eating for Black young adult women so that appropriate and effective interventions can be developed for this group. In this correlational study, Black young adult women (ages 18­35) completed an online survey wherein they answered questions about their experiences, thoughts, and behaviors. The study results indicated that stress from mistreatment due to being a Black woman was associated with endorsing a need to be strong. This need to be strong was associated with avoiding experiences that may lead to negative emotional states and being less accepting of distressing thoughts about food. More avoidance and less acceptance were each associated with more emotional eating. Therefore, if emotional eating or obesity-related interventions already target acceptance and avoidance, but do not reference or contextualize them for Black young adult women­particularly in terms of stress from mistreatment as a Black woman and the need to be strong­such interventions may be less effective.

Exploring Experiences of Traumatic Microaggressions Toward Surgeons and Surgical Residents.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have suggested that experiences of gender and racial discrimination are widespread among surgeons and surgical residents. This study examines the relationship between experienced microaggressions and traumatic stress. METHODS: A one-time, deidentified survey was distributed over email to academic surgical societies. The survey consisted of 35 items including questions on prevalence of microaggressions, perceived job impacts as well as a shortened version of the Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination Scale. Chi-square tests and an independence test for trends were utilized to determine significance. RESULTS: We collected data from 130 participants with majority (81%) having experienced microaggressions in the workplace. On measures of worry (P < 0.001), avoidance (P = 0.012), anxiety (P = 0.004), and trouble relaxing (P = 0.002), racial/ethnic minority surgeons and trainees demonstrated significantly higher scores. With perceived job impacts, significant agreement was seen with occurrences of working harder to prove competence (P = 0.005), gaining patient confidence (P < 0.001), reduced career satisfaction (P = 0.011), work-related negative talk (P = 0.018), and burnout at work due to microaggressions (P = 0.019). Among participants who underwent behavioral modifications, female surgeons were more likely to change their nonverbal communication styles (P < 0.001) and spend more time with patients (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Experiences of microaggressions are associated with increased anxiety-related trauma symptoms in racial/ethnic minority surgeons and surgical trainees. Additionally, these experiences of microaggression can influence job satisfaction, burnout, career perceptions and workplace behaviors. As the field of surgery becomes more diverse, this study contributes to growing awareness of the role of implicit discrimination in the attrition and retention of racial/ethnic minority surgeons and female surgeons.

Gendered Racial Microaggressions, Self-silencing, Substance Use, and HIV Outcomes Among Black Women Living with HIV: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach.

To better understand factors that may contribute to HIV outcomes experienced by Black women living with HIV (BWLWH), the present study examined the relationships among gendered racial microaggressions (GRM; subtle daily insults due to racism and sexism), self-silencing, substance use, antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication adherence, and viral suppression using structural equation modeling and path analysis. Self-silencing and substance use were examined as potential mediators. Participants were 119 BWLWH residing in South Florida. Results of this study showed that GRM was directly and positively associated with self-silencing and indirectly and negatively associated with medication adherence via self-silencing. GRM was directly related to higher alcohol use disorder severity. Self-silencing was directly and negatively associated with medication adherence. Medication adherence was directly and negatively related to viral suppression. The model fit the data well. Identifying the negative consequences of GRM in conjunction with self-silencing and substance use may help inform prevention and intervention strategies to improve mental health and HIV-related outcomes among BWLWH.

RESUMEN: Para comprender mejor los factores que pueden contribuir a los resultados del VIH experimentados por las mujeres negras que viven con el VIH (BWLWH), el presente estudio examinó las relaciones entre las microagresiones raciales de género (GRM; sutiles insultos diarios debido al racismo y el sexismo), el auto silenciamiento, el uso de sustancias, la adherencia a la medicación de la terapia antirretroviral (ART) y la supresión viral utilizando modelos de ecuaciones estructurales y análisis de ruta. El autosilenciamiento y el consumo de sustancias se examinaron como mediadores potenciales. Los participantes fueron 119 BWLWH que residían en el sur de Florida. Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que GRM se asoció directa y positivamente con el autosilenciamiento e indirecta y negativamente se asoció con la adherencia a la medicación a través del autosilenciamiento. GRM se relacionó directamente con una mayor gravedad del trastorno por consumo de alcohol. El autosilenciamiento se asoció directa y negativamente con la adherencia a la medicación. La adherencia a la medicación se relacionó directa y negativamente con la supresión viral. El modelo se ajusta bien a los datos. Identificar las consecuencias negativas de GRM junto con el auto silenciamiento y el uso de sustancias puede ayudar a informar estrategias de prevención e intervención para mejorar la salud mental y los resultados relacionados con el VIH entre BWLWH.

Intersectional Microaggressions, Sexual Identity Concealment, and Mental Health of Young Black Sexual Minority Men and Transgender Women.

Previous research has demonstrated associations between experiences of microaggressions and negative mental and physical health outcomes, and national organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have acknowledged racism as a public health issue. Individuals with multiple marginalized identities, such as young Black men who have sex with men and transgender women, are commonly affected by discrimination and stigma, contributing to health disparities. One possible path by which microaggressions are linked to negative health outcomes for these groups is their impact on individuals' decisions to conceal their sexual identity, in some cases leading to increased stress and use of maladaptive coping strategies. We surveyed 280 young Black male (86%) and transgender or non-binary (14%) individuals between the ages of 16-25 years old (M = 21.68, SD = 2.73) who reported being recently sexually active with men about their experiences with intersectional microaggressions, concealment of their sexual identity, psychological distress, and substance use before and during sexual activity. Structural equation modeling revealed that experiences of microaggressions were associated with greater sexual identity concealment, and concealment partially mediated the relationship between microaggressions and psychological distress. While microaggressions were associated with greater substance use, sexual identity concealment did not mediate this relationship. Findings have implications for addressing health disparities among this population.

Racism in obstetric care: a psychometric study of the Gendered Racial Microaggressions Scale among Global Majority birthing people in obstetric contexts.

In the United States, maternal health inequities disproportionately affect Global Majority (e.g., Asian, Black, and Hispanic) populations. Despite a substantial body of research underscoring the influence of racism on these inequities, little research has examined how experiences of gendered racial microaggressions during pregnancy and birth impact racially and ethnically diverse Global Majority pregnant and birthing people in obstetric hospital settings. We evaluated the psychometric properties of an adapted version of Lewis & Neville's Gendered Racial Microaggressions Scale, using data collected from 417 Global Majority birthing people. Findings from our study indicate that our adapted GRMS is a valid tool for assessing the experiences of gendered racial microaggressions in hospital-based obstetric care settings among Global Majority pregnant and birthing people whose preferred languages are English or Spanish. Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis demonstrated high construct validity of the adapted GRMS scale (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = 0.1089 (95% CI 0.0921, 0.1263), Comparative Fit Index = 0.977, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = 0.075, log-likelihood c2 = -85.6, df = 8). IRT analyses demonstrated that the unidimensional model was preferred to the bi-dimensional model as it was more interpretable, had lower AIC and BIC, and all items had large discrimination parameters onto a single factor (all discrimination parameters > 3.0). Given that we found similar response profiles among Black and Hispanic respondents, our Differential Item Functioning analyses support validity among Black, Hispanic, and Spanish-speaking birthing people. Inter-item correlations demonstrated adequate scale reliability, α = 0.97, and empirical reliability = 0.67. Pearsons correlations was used to assess the criterion validity of our adapted scale. Our scale's total score was significantly and positively related to postpartum depression and anxiety. Researchers and practitioners should seek to address instances of gendered racial microaggressions in obstetric settings, as they are manifestations of systemic and interpersonal racism, and impact postpartum health.

Rumination mediates associations between microaggressions and sleep quality in Black Americans: the toll of racial microstressors.

Disparities in health outcomes between Black and White Americans are well-documented, including sleep quality, and disparities in sleep may lead to disparities in health over the life course. A meta-model indicates that cognitive processes may underly the connection between race and poor sleep quality, and ultimately, health disparities. That is, there are race-specific stressors that disproportionately affect Black Americans, which are associated with poor health through biological, cognitive, and behavioral mechanisms (e.g., sleep). Among these race-specific stressors is discrimination, which has been linked to poor sleep quality, and there is a body of literature connecting perseverative cognition (e.g., rumination and worry or vigilance) to poor sleep. Microaggressions, a more subtle but pervasive form of discrimination, are another race-specific stressor. Although less research has considered the connection of microaggressions to perseverative cognition, there are some studies linking microaggressions to health outcomes and sleep. Therefore, using a cross-sectional survey, we tested the following hypotheses: racism-related vigilance and rumination would mediate the relationship between discrimination and poor sleep as well as between microaggressions and poor sleep among Black Americans (N = 223; mean age = 35.77 years, 53.8% men, 86% employed, 66.8% with college degree or higher education). Results of seven parallel mediation models showed that neither rumination nor racism-related vigilance mediated a relationship between discrimination and poor sleep quality. However, rumination partially mediated relationships between the six microaggression sub-scales and poor sleep quality: there were significant indirect effects for Foreigner/Not Belonging (ß = .13, SE = 0.03, 95% CI 0.08, 0.20), Criminality (ß = .11, SE = 0.03, 95% CI 0.05, 0.17), Sexualization (ß = .10, SE = 0.03, 95% CI 0.05, 0.17), Low-Achieving/Undesirable (ß = .10, SE = 0.03, 95% CI 0.05, 0.15), Invisibility (ß = .15, SE = 0.04, 95% CI 0.08, 0.23), and Environmental Invalidations (ß = .15, SE = 0.04, 95% CI 0.08, 0.23). Overall, these findings indicate support for the meta-model, demonstrating a specific pathway from racial microstressors to poor sleep quality. Furthermore, these results suggest the importance of developing clinical and community approaches to address the impact of microaggressions on Black Americans' sleep quality.

The association between microaggressions and mental health among UK trans people: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Epidemiological studies investigating the mental health impacts of microaggressions in the trans population have tended to have methodological limitations, including a lack of validated measures, raising concerns about the validity of their findings. To address this evidence gap, we investigated the associations between microaggressions and poor mental health (depression; anxiety; non-suicidal self-harm [NSSH]; suicidal thoughts; suicide attempt) amongst trans people. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 787 trans adults in the UK, measuring mental health and exposure to microaggressions using the Gender Identity Microaggressions Scale (GIMS). Using univariable and multivariable linear and logistic regression models we tested for an association of microaggressions with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9), anxiety symptoms (GAD-7), lifetime NSSH, lifetime suicidal thoughts, and lifetime suicide attempt. RESULTS: Of the 787 participants, 574 (73%) provided complete data. Microaggressions were a common experience, affecting 97.6% of participants over their lifetime. In adjusted analyses, using sociodemographic and clinical variables, increased microaggression scores were associated with increased depressive symptoms (adjusted coefficient: 1.86 (95%CI = 1.35 to 2.36)), anxiety symptoms (adjusted coefficient: 1.57 (95%CI = 1.09 -2.05)) and with increased odds of NSSH (Odds Ratio [OR]adj 1.83 (95%CI = 1.45 -2.30)), suicidal thoughts (ORadj 2.18, (95%CI = 1.52 -3.13)), and suicide attempt (ORadj, 1.59, (95%CI = 1.32 -1.92)). In exploratory analyses different GIMS subscales were associated with these various outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: There was evidence of associations between microaggressions and adverse mental health outcomes, as well as to support specific microaggressions being associated with specific outcomes, emphasizing the importance of public health interventions that target microaggressions directed at trans adults. Longitudinal studies are needed to investigate the temporality of the associations between microaggressions and mental health outcomes.

Depression and suicidal ideation among Black individuals in Canada: mediating role of traumatic life events and moderating role of racial microaggressions and internalized racism.

PURPOSE: Although suicidal ideation (SI) is a serious concern in Canada, its prevalence and related factors among Black individuals are poorly documented. Using data from the Mental Health of Black Communities in Canada project (BeCoMHeal), this study aimed to assess the prevalence of SI in Black individuals aged 15-40 years old in Canada, the mediating role of traumatic life events in the association between depression and SI, and the moderating role of racial microaggressions and internalized racism. METHODS: Eight hundred and sixty participants aged between 15 and 40 years (Mage =24.96, SD = 6.29) completed the online questionnaire assessing sociodemographic data, depression symptoms, traumatic life events, racial microaggressions, internalized racism, and SI. RESULTS: Findings showed that 25.7% of the participants reported having experienced SI (26.5% women, 22.7% men, 𝛘2 = 1.08, p = .299). The moderated-mediation model revealed that traumatic life events fully mediated the association between depression and SI (B = 0.12, p = .004; 95% CI, [0.04, 0.20]) and that racial microaggressions (B = - 0.03, p = .042; 95% CI [-0.07, - 0.00]) and internalized racism (B = 0.06, p = .006; 95% CI [0.02, 0.10]) moderated this relationship. CONCLUSION: These findings underscore the importance of addressing racial microaggressions and internalized racism in therapy contexts among Black individuals to mitigate the potential negative impacts on their mental health. They also emphasize the need to develop effective, culturally sensitive, and racially adapted suicide prevention and intervention programs for Black communities in Canada.

Exploring the occurrence of microaggressions in the genetic counseling student-supervisor relationship: A mixed-methods study.

While research has shown that genetic counseling students with minoritized racial or ethnic identities face microaggressions throughout graduate training, quantitative data regarding the frequency of these experiences have not been reported. The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to investigate the frequency and types of microaggressions experienced by graduates of accredited genetic counseling programs in the United States during fieldwork rotations. A quantitative survey was administered to assess how frequently 14 different types of microaggressions occurred in interactions with supervisors. Survey responses were analyzed using situation-based coding (the number of different types of microaggressions experienced) and frequency-based coding (the sum of participants' weighted Likert answers). Select survey respondents with minoritized identities were interviewed to better contextualize and categorize microaggression experiences. Analysis of 87 survey responses revealed that participants with minoritized racial and ethnic identities experience significantly more types of microaggressions (t(61) = 2.77; p = 0.007) at a significantly higher frequency (t(55) = 2.67; p = 0.010) than their white counterparts. Participants who identified as part of the disability community were also found to experience significantly more types of microaggressions (t(10) = 3.25; p = 0.009) at a significantly higher frequency (t(9) = 2.32; p = 0.045) than those who did not. Qualitative analysis of 11 interviews revealed that microaggressions from supervisors included offensive and inappropriate comments, unequal treatment, cultural intolerance, and disparaging feedback. Overall, our data present evidence that students with minoritized racial and ethnic identities and students with disabilities are subjected to a variety of inequitable, exclusionary, and harmful interactions. As a result, we recommend that all supervisors receive training about recognizing and preventing microaggressions to ensure that students are provided with an equitable and inclusive training experience, regardless of identity.

Exploring the impact of microaggressions on the genetic counseling student-supervisor relationship: A qualitative study.

Genetic counseling students with minoritized identities have reported experiencing microaggressions throughout graduate training, including from fieldwork supervisors. However, the impacts of these fieldwork experiences have not been thoroughly investigated. As supervision is known to be integral to genetic counseling students' skill development and success, the purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of microaggressions on student training, with a specific focus on the supervisory working alliance. To achieve this goal, we conducted 11 interviews with recent genetic counseling graduates (2019-2021) who reported experiencing at least one microaggression from a fieldwork supervisor during graduate school training. Purposive sampling was used to prioritize interviewees who identified as underrepresented in the field due to race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, and/or disability status. All interviewees were initially recruited as part of a larger mixed-methods study investigating the frequency and types of microaggressions genetic counseling students experience from fieldwork supervisors. Interview questions explored the time period before a microaggression event, during the event, and after. Qualitative thematic analysis resulted in four themes, three of which are presented in this paper: (1) Impact of microaggressions, (2) Barriers to reporting microaggressions, and (3) Experience reporting microaggressions. Microaggressions from supervisors were shown to impair the psychological well-being of participants and hinder learning opportunities. These experiences led participants to question their choice of profession and avoid time in clinic, ultimately constraining the development of strong supervisory working alliances. Some participants did not report microaggressions due to fear of negative repercussions, and those who did described defensive responses which harmed students' relationships with program leadership. This study reveals opportunities for supervisors to improve student training conditions by centering students' feelings and experiences, increasing open and honest communication, and extending psychosocial tools to supervision. Additionally, graduate programs are encouraged to establish structured reporting protocols for students and evaluate current shortcomings in equity and inclusion initiatives.

Measurement invariance of the LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale among LGBTQ+ youth.

The LGBT People of Color Microaggressions Scale (LGBT-PCMS) is a widely used measure of intersectional microaggression experiences among sexual and gender minority people of color. Although it is widely used-and increasingly used in adolescent and young adult samples-it is unknown whether the LGBT-PCMS demonstrates similar measurement properties across subgroups of sexual and gender minority youth of color (SGMYOC). Among 4142 SGMYOC (ages 13-17) we found evidence for either partial or full scalar invariance (item loadings and intercepts were generally equal) across sexual orientation, race-ethnicity, and gender identity groups for all three subscales. Specific patterns of invariance and noninvariance across groups, as well as implications for the use of the LGBT-PCMS and its subscales among SGMYOC are discussed.

Microaggressions, perceptions of campus climate, mental health, and alcohol use among first-year college students of color.

Depressive and anxiety symptoms are increasingly common, and problematic alcohol use remains prevalent in college. To expand on prior research on mostly white samples, we surveyed first-year students of color from our predominately white university (Southeastern US) to identify risk factors for mental health symptoms and potentially co-occurring problematic alcohol use. Results showed significant associations between microaggressions and poor campus climate (hypothetical predictors) with depressive, anxiety, somatic symptoms (hypothetical outcomes) that were indirectly linked through perceived stress, poor sleep, and academic burnout (hypothetical mediators). Poor campus climate, academic burnout, and using alcohol to cope were the most relevant to alcohol use disorder symptoms. Results support efforts to address and reduce racial microaggressions and promote a positive campus climate for all.

Microaggression and discrimination experiences among diverse youth with LGBTQ+ parents in the United States.

Family-based microaggressions and discrimination experienced by youth with LGBTQ+ parents are important to understand from their perspectives. Using mixed methods, we examined such experiences among 12- to 25-year-old youth (N = 51) with at least one LGBTQ+ parent in the United States. Youth were diverse in race/ethnicity, family structure, gender and sexual identities, socioeconomic status, and geographic region. Using interviews, we explored LGBTQ+ family-based microaggressions (reported through scale items with feedback) and discrimination (assessed via thematic analysis). Microaggressions and discrimination based on having LGBTQ+ parents were common, yet there were distinctions in direct and indirect stigma across the quantitative items and qualitative themes. These results underscore the value of mixed methods research with youth and implications for future research, practice, and policy.

Racial Microaggressions Mediate the Association Between Posttraumatic Stress and Alcohol Use Among Women of Color Experiencing Intimate Partner Violence.

Objective: Women of Color (WoC) experiencing intimate partner violence (IPV) have elevated rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use and related harm (e.g., increased alcohol use and negative consequences). This secondary data analysis assessed the role of racial microaggressions in the association between PTSD and alcohol use and related harm among WoC experiencing IPV. Methods: Participants were 103 WoC currently experiencing IPV and using substances (Mage=40.39, 51.5% Black) who were recruited from the community and completed assessments of PTSD, racial microaggressions, and alcohol use and related harm. Results: Assumptions of Inferiority (e.g., intelligence; B = 1.44, SE = 0.90, 95% CI [0.10, 3.54]) and Environmental Microaggressions (e.g., portrayal in media; B = 1.88, SE = 1.03, 95% CI [0.28, 4.30]) explained the association between PTSD and alcohol use and related harm. Conclusions: Findings underscore the influence of specific microaggressions in the relation between PTSD and alcohol use and related harm among WoC experiencing IPV.

"You're not gay; You're a child of god": Microaggressions experienced by LGBTQ+ teens and their parents in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Like other teens in conservative religious environments, LGBTQ+ teens raised in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (CJCLDS) likely experience unique microaggressions. Furthermore, like other conservatively religious parents of LGBTQ+ teens, active Latter-day Saint (LDS) parents who openly support their LGBTQ+ teens likely both witness microaggressions toward their teens and may personally experience microaggressions. The present study sought to understand parents' and teens' experiences of microaggressions in conservative religious contexts by focusing specifically on the microaggressions experienced by (a) LGBTQ+ teens raised in the CJCLDS and (b) their active LDS parents. Thematic analysis of separate interviews with 19 dyads of LGBTQ+ teens and their active LDS parents (38 total interviews) revealed various ways in which they experienced verbal, nonverbal, and environmental microaggressions. We highlight parents' and teens' shared experiences of microaggressions that may be uniquely related to their religious contexts, such as assumptions that LGBTQ+ teens or their parents are not faithful and exclusionary Church policies. Additionally, we identified microaggressions that specifically targeted parents of LGBTQ+ teens, such as comments suggesting parents should limit their support for their teens. Finally, we found that parents had vicarious experiences with microaggressions through witnessing or learning about microaggressions that targeted their teens. Findings highlight the ways that the religious contexts in which microaggressions occur can influence the way that microaggressions are communicated to and experienced by LGBTQ+ teens - and their parents.

Navigating COVID-19 and racial trauma as a Black student at predominantly White institutions.

Black students at predominantly White institutions (PWIs) contend with racial microaggressions that can lead to negative mental health and academic outcomes. The physical and mental health consequences of the novel coronavirus pandemic are well-known. What remains unknown is how targeted racial hate during a pandemic might have a compounded effect on Black essential workers. The current study examines how future essential workers in helping professions cope with dual crises as they navigate mostly White universities. Study participants were Black university students attending PWIs in the United States enrolled in social work, public health, or psychology programs during the 2020-2021 academic year. Participants completed an online survey that measured racial microaggressions, COVID distress, sense of belonging, engagement in activism, and well-being. Hierarchical regression models revealed COVID distress predicted poorer well-being. Also, COVID distress interacted with racial microaggressions to predict well-being. Findings have implications for developing decolonized learning communities with a liberation pedagogy in community psychology and other helping professions.

Exploring The Impact of Acceptance and Commitment Based Cultural Humility Training on Standardized Patient Interactions: Revisiting the Measurement Process.

Recent findings in health sciences and medical education highlight the importance of training healthcare professionals to interact with their patients in a culturally humble manner (Nadal et al., in Journal of Counseling and Development 92: 57-66, 2014; Pascoe & Smart Richman, in Psychological Bulletin 135: 531, 2009; Sirois & Burg, in Behavior Modification 27: 83-102, 2003; Williams & Mohammed, in Journal of Behavioral Medicine 32: 20-47, 2009). An important piece in the progression of our ability to address training challenges is the assessment of cultural humility. As an extension of previous research (Lombardero et al., in Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings, 30: 261-273, 2023), this study implemented an evidence-based cultural humility intervention (based on Acceptance and Commitment Training) to improve medical students' interactions with standardized patients (SPs) which was assessed via direct behavioral observation. Specifically, the observational measurement system was focused on culturally humble responses to patients reporting microaggressions to the medical professional. A pre-post comparison of the results demonstrated statistically significant improvements pertaining to participants' culturally humble responses to SPs' reports of microaggressions for one of the measurement scales used (i.e., ARISE), but not the other (i.e., Responsiveness to Racial Challenges Scale). Further analyses, on the bottom quartile of performers, were conducted to assess a possible ceiling effect of the scale that did not demonstrate significant change. These results and implications for future research will be discussed.

We Fear So We Judge: A Mediation Analysis on the Relations Among Ageing Anxiety, Ageism, and Ageist Microaggressions.

Ageism remains an obstacle to building an age-friendly environment. Although the rise of ageist microaggressions (i.e., subtle discrimination) threatens older adults from maintaining well-being, the mechanism of ageist microaggressions remains understudied. The present study examined ageist microaggressions using a transactional model. Specifically, we examined whether ageing and death anxieties contribute to self-ageism and influence benevolent and hostile ageism. These ageist beliefs might lead to benevolent and hostile ageist microaggressions, respectively. Cross-sectional data from 214 Hong Kong middle-aged adults (Mage = 50.97) were obtained. The results from a structural equation model revealed that ageing anxiety, but not death anxiety, was a significant predictor of self-ageism, hostile ageism, and hostile ageist microaggressions. A revised model further suggested that benevolent and hostile ageism were predictive of hostile ageist microaggressions. The results highlight the importance of defying the conventional perception of ageing to reduce ageing anxiety, ageism and ageist microaggressions for an age-friendly society.