Examining Racial Microaggressions and Psychological Distress Among Undergraduate Students of Color

• In Event: 35.078 - MTCC Roundtable Session 14
  In Roundtable Session: 35.078-6 - Understanding Student Perspectives Regarding Stressful Experiences

Abstract

A microaggression is a verbal, behavioral, or environmental indignity that communicates hostile, derogatory or other negative racial assertions towards people of color. This study examines racial microaggressions and its association with psychological distress among undergraduate students of color. Participants in this quantitative study (n = 251) were from a medium-sized research university, which is a predominantly White institution (PWI) in the Northeast region of the United States. Multiple regression analyses were conducted to examine the relationship between racial microaggressions and psychological distress. This study seeks to raise awareness among educators and practitioners through a social justice lens. Among other implications, findings demonstrate the need to further explore social and environmental factors in off-campus residential communities compared to on-campus residential communities.

Authors

• Ada Robinson-Perez, Binghamton University - SUNY

• Miesha Marzell, Binghamton University - SUNY