Reactions to Witnessing Ethnic Microaggressions: An Experimental Study
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology
Volume
39
Issue
2
Publisher
Guilford Publications, Inc
Publication Date
2-1-2020
First Page
141
Last Page
164
Abstract
Introduction: Minimal research has examined how witnesses identify and respond to ethnic microaggressions including the role of colorblind racial attitudes. Method: University student participants (N = 401) were randomly assigned to one of three experimental conditions in which they witnessed a research decoy experiencing an ethnic microaggression, an overt discriminatory interaction, or a neutral interaction (control). Results: The study findings showed that 46% of participants who witnessed an ethnic microaggression identified it as unfair or differential treatment compared to 84% of those who observed an overt form of discrimination. Multilevel model analyses revealed a 3-way interaction (time × experimental condition × colorblind racial attitudes) such that participants with low colorblind racial attitudes had significant increases in negative affect and systolic blood pressure after witnessing overt discrimination. Discussion: Key differences exist in the identification and responses associated with witnessing an ethnic microaggression compared to overt discrimination. Findings suggest that shifting colorblind racial attitudes may be a promising area of intervention to improve detection of ethnic microaggressions.
Recommended Citation
Torres,L., Reveles,A.K., Mata-Greve,F.,Schwartz,S.,& Domenech Rodriguez, M.M. (2020). Reactions to witnessing ethnic microaggressions: An experimental study. Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology,39(2),141–164.https://doi.org/10.1521/jscp.2020.39.02.141
