Microaggression is defined as "brief, everyday verbal, behavioral, and environmental indignities, whether intentional or unintentional, that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative racial, religious, or cultural slights and insults to the target person or group" (Sue et al., 2019). These aggressive behaviors can manifest themselves in various ways such as name calling, jokes, dismissing someone's opinion, subtle insults, or microinsults. They are often hidden but pervasive forms of discrimination and prejudice that create an unfair environment for people who identify as members of marginalized groups, including sexual and gender minorities. This paper explores how these aggressions impact cognitive, emotional, and social functioning in LGBTQ+ individuals.
The impact of microaggressions on cognitive functioning can be seen through increased stress levels and anxiety, which affect attention and memory. Research suggests that microaggressions may lead to hypervigilance and heightened arousal (Bergman & Stukas, 2017; Kim et al., 2014). This means that members of stigmatized groups have to constantly monitor their surroundings for potential threats, leading to reduced focus and concentration. Moreover, this state of constant alertness increases physiological arousal, resulting in feelings of anxiety and depression. A study by Kim et al. (2014) found that experiencing microaggression was associated with greater depressive symptoms among Asian American college students. Another study by Bergman and Stukas (2017) discovered that Black women experienced more intrusive thoughts about racial discrimination than white women, which affected their working memory and task performance. These effects demonstrate the detrimental effect of microaggressions on cognition and mental health.
Emotional functioning is also compromised due to microaggressions.
Being subjected to derogatory comments or subtle slights can cause feelings of frustration, anger, sadness, and isolation. Such experiences often result in emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, where one feels detached from oneself and others. According to a study conducted by Solomon et al. (2020), members of sexual minority groups reported higher levels of emotional distress compared to heterosexual individuals. In addition, they had increased negative affectivity and lower self-esteem. The impact of microaggressions on social functioning is no less significant. Microaggressions create an environment where people feel unsupported and unwelcome, making them withdraw socially and experience difficulties forming meaningful relationships. They may also feel shame, guilt, and embarrassment, leading to low self-confidence and reduced engagement in social activities. This can be seen in research by Tatum (2008), who noted that African Americans perceived themselves as inferior compared to whites because of stereotypes and prejudices. As a result, they were less likely to participate in certain activities and felt isolated from mainstream culture.
This article has explored how microaggressions impact cognitive, emotional, and social functioning in sexual and gender minorities. They can lead to stress, anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, negative affectivity, reduced self-esteem, isolation, and other adverse effects on mental health and wellbeing. It is essential to raise awareness about these aggressions and work towards creating more inclusive environments where everyone feels supported and valued.
Bergman, R., & Stukas, A. A. (2017). Interpersonal discrimination and racial differences in working memory performance among Black women. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 74, 139–150. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2017.05.0059
Kim, Y. J., Lee, H. W., Kim, M. S., Chen, G., Park, D., Shin, C., & Kim, K. E. (2014). The effect of experiencing daily experiences of racism on the psychological well-being of Asian American college students. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 38(1), 14–24. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijintrel.2013.10.005
Solomon, L. J., Derrick, J., Sullivan, P. B., & Smith, T. (2020). Sexual identity microaggressions and depressive symptoms: A meta-analysis. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 67(2), 137–148. https://doi.org/10.1037/cou00000183
Sue, D. W., Capodilupo, C. M., Torino, G. C., Bucceri, J. M., Holder, A. M. B., Nadal, K. L., & Esquilin, M. (2019). Racial microagressions in everyday life. In Multicultural counseling competencies: Assessment, theory, and practice (pp. 35–53). Routledge.
How do microaggressions impact cognitive, emotional, and social functioning in sexual and gender minorities?
Microaggressions can have negative effects on the cognitive, emotional, and social functioning of sexual and gender minorities. These impacts are often experienced as invalidating, demeaning, and isolating. Microaggressions can contribute to feelings of marginalization, self-doubt, and mental health problems such as anxiety and depression.