Interpreting Microaggression as a Determinant of Wellbeing

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities · 7 authors, 4 centres

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This qualitative study used focus group discussions with South African participants to explore how different dimensions and manifestations of microaggression impact wellbeing.

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The study employed a phenomenological qualitative approach using focus group discussions (FGDs) with South African participants across multiple racial groups. The findings confirmed that microaggression, particularly invalidation and systemic forms, negatively impacts wellbeing, especially emotional wellbeing, psychological health, and socioeconomic status. The impact was shaped by historical and social context, such as apartheid. Limitations included the subjective nature of experiences, challenges in generalising from the phenomenological approach, and potential bias from providing situational examples. The implications suggest that addressing microaggression is vital for improving welfare in multi-group settings.

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other

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psychiatry

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ORIGINAL PAPER

PMC10482806

Interpreting Microaggression as a Determinant of Wellbeing

Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities

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ABSTRACT

Abstract Despite the increasing interest in exploring microaggression in the humanitarian context, there remains uncertainty on its mechanism for affecting life outcomes. There is a lack of studies on ethnic and racial minorities in non-western countries. The current research explores dimensions and manifestations of microaggression and how they affect wellbeing in a multicultural setting. The study uses a qualitative approach with 15 focus group discussions (FGDs) and 66 participants conducted in 4 provinces of South Africa: Gauteng ( k = 6), North-West ( k = 3), KwaZulu-Natal ( k = 3), and Western Cape ( k = 3). The recorded FGDs were transcribed using the intelligent verbatim technique. The transcripts were then analysed using a phenomenological approach. Data analysis was done stepwise using the deductive coding technique. Results show that participants’ perception of the dimensions of microaggression varies depending on the manifestation as verbal, behavioural, or systemic. Furthermore, variations in patterns and reactions to dimensions of microaggression were linked with participants’ racial identity. It further confirms that experiencing discrimination is associated with poorer wellbeing. Connectedness to the ingroup provides stability and certainty in multi-group societies due to the group rivalry that pervades such societies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40615-022-01426-z. Keywords: Microaggression, Inequality, Wellbeing, Cultural identity, Racial identity, Microinsults, Microassaults, Invalidations

CITATION EXPORT

Adekunle Adedeji, Tosin Tunrayo Olonisakin, Franka Metzner et al.. Interpreting Microaggression as a Determinant of Wellbeing. Journal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities. (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40615-022-01426-z

AUTHORS

7 · 4 CENTRES

Adekunle Adedeji, Tosin Tunrayo Olonisakin, Franka Metzner, Johanna Buchcik, Wandile Tsabedze, Klaus Boehnke, Erhabor S Idemudia

1Faculty of Humanities, North-West University, Mafikeng, South Africa
2Faculty of Life Sciences, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany
3Department of Medical Psychology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
4Bremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS), Jacobs University Bremen, Bremen, Germany