Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional insults that negatively impact marginalized groups' mental health and wellbeing. Queer youth face them regularly, and their lasting effects can hamper emotional resilience and cognitive appraisal. In this article, I explain what they are, how they happen in education, and why they matter for queer youth.
Microaggressions in Education
Educators, classmates, and administrators may make microaggressive comments about queerness without realizing it.
Someone might say "That's so gay" or "You talk like a girl." These statements imply that being queer is negative, which can lead to feelings of shame and self-doubt. They also reinforce stereotypes that limit queer people's identities and experiences.
Such comments can cause long-term harm because they can erode queer students' sense of belonging and safety.
This can decrease their emotional resilience, which means they find it harder to cope with stressors. Cognitive appraisal processes refer to how individuals interpret events; if queer kids believe they are inherently flawed, they will struggle to view challenges as opportunities for growth.
Effects on Emotional Resilience
Emotional resilience involves staying calm during tough situations and bouncing back from adversity. When students feel marginalized, they tend to internalize negative messages, doubt themselves, and question their worthiness. This makes them less likely to trust adults who support them, seek help when needed, or work through problems effectively. They may resort to unhealthy coping strategies such as avoidance or withdrawal instead.
Microaggressions undermine students' ability to handle adversity by eroding their confidence, identity, and relationships. Their psychological resources become depleted, making it more difficult to recover from setbacks and move forward positively.
Impact on Cognitive Appraisal Processes
Cognitive appraisals shape how we make meaning of our experiences. If students repeatedly hear negative messages about being queer, they may internalize these beliefs and see challenges as insurmountable obstacles.
A student might think, "I failed the test because I am bad at math." Such thoughts reinforce negative self-beliefs, limit future risk-taking, and narrow life options. It also creates a vicious cycle wherein they feel worse about their performance and try less in future endeavors.
Microaggressions harm queer youth's emotional resilience and cognitive appraisal processes in education settings. By understanding this issue, teachers can create safer spaces for all learners and reduce its long-term effects.
What are the long-term effects of microaggressions on emotional resilience and cognitive appraisal processes among queer youth in educational settings?
Microaggression refers to subtle forms of discrimination that often occur in day-to-day life, such as insensitive comments about one's identity or cultural background. In educational settings, microaggressions can negatively impact emotional resilience and cognitive appraisal processes for queer youth, which may result in increased anxiety, stress, and reduced self-esteem.