Essay Sample on The Effects of Microaggressions

Recently, Microaggressions, which are indirect, subtle, and sometimes unintentional discrimination against a marginalized group, have been discussed more in media. For example, statistics have shown that around two-thirds of minority college students have experienced at least one form of microaggression during their study hall (Warren, 2022). To add to this, more minorities have been coming forward with their experiences of this form of discrimination. These experiences prove that microaggressions can take place anywhere, whether that be in school, in the workplace, or when walking down the street.  Microagressions can have negative effects on different people of color. For example, when someone assumes that a person of color is shoplifting, it can cause an increase in externalized symptoms like mental health. It can also cause a decrease in other things like work and physical performance. Thus, microaggressions against people of color can cause many negative effects, such as a decrease in mental health, a decrease in physical health, and a decrease in work performance.

As a result of Microagressions, people of color can see a decrease in their mental health. Research has shown that the more microaggressions a person of color face, the higher the chances of more mental health issues. This decrease in mental health can cause more depression, self-doubt, frustration, and isolation. All of these issues can lead to more suicidality in students. According to Samantha Matsumoto, researchers have also described the impact of microaggressions on mental health to be like a “Death by a thousand cuts” (Matsumoto, 2020). It has also been noted by Tori DeAngelis that people of color feel pressured to represent their group in a positive light in the workplace, which causes them to be more vigilant about their work performance, for fear that any mistake will cause their group to be viewed negatively. This can cause a drastic increase in stress, which could lead to a decrease in mental health. To add, BMC Psychology says that studies have shown that decreased mental health because of these discriminatory issues can lead to increased substance use, decreased academic success and performance, and delinquent behavior in college students.

Another result of microaggressions is a decrease in physical health. This form of discrimination can cause many physical concerns, such as headaches, high blood pressure, and difficulties with sleeping. It can also cause more serious concerns like type-two diabetes and heart disease. Going along with these, Microaggressions can cause internal health concerns. According to Morningsignout, “Those who experience microaggressions as those without proper support systems may feel increasingly more negative feelings and harbor potential changes within the protective ends of their DNA” (Morningsignout, 2021). This explains that microaggressions can cause a support system’s telomeres, which are the protective ends of DNA, to change for the worse. In addition, a study was conducted that showed that discriminatory stress caused by microaggressions can also lead to other physical ailments, such as hypertension, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction, and higher body mass index. Another study that was conducted reported that minorities who experience microaggressions report feeling a type of tension. As a result of this tension, things like physical tightness and digestive issues arise. These digestive issues could lead to more serious diseases and disorders such as reflux disease and gastrointestinal diseases disorders. In all, minorities who face microaggressions normally end up damaging their well-being, whether that be physically or mentally.

Another result is a decrease in work performance. This can be applied in both the workplace and in school. According to Tori DeAngelis, Claude Steele, who is a Standford University psychology professor, has proven that both women and African American students perform less on tests when they are primed with racial and sexist stereotypes and microaggressions.