The Negative Impact of Microaggressions and How to Overcome Them (2 of 3)

It has also been established that there is a link between discrimination and higher levels of violence, poverty, and mental illness. And since marginalized groups have less access to quality healthcare to begin with, it only compounds this serious problem. Since such people feel more stress, they are more inclined to smoke, consume alcohol and overeat as coping mechanisms. While in the short term these unhealthy habits alleviate stress, in the long term they increase the odds of developing various diseases which ultimately lowers lifespans.

Another study looked into the relationship between microaggressions and the likelihood of having suicidal thoughts. The 405 participants from a major university in the Midwest identified as racial and ethnic minorities. The research found that students who experienced more microaggressions were significantly more inclined to view suicide as an option. In addition, those who experienced microaggressions associated with racial attitudes were more inclined to be depressed, anxious, hold a negative view of the world, and act out in aggressive and even violent ways.

Not all microaggressions are intentional. Healthcare providers might hold unconscious biases that have a negative impact on their patients even when they hold no ill will. For instance, these biases might cause minorities to not seek out medical care even when they are suffering from serious ailments. For instance, one study that involved 218 Native Americans with diabetes revealed that when they experienced racial microaggressions while at the hospital, they were less likely to take care of their health. This increased the risk of heart attacks and emergency room care in addition to higher rates of depression that remained untreated. A similar study involving members of the LGBT community found that there was a lack of trust between patient and healthcare provider because the doctor automatically assumed they were heterosexual and cisgender. Such people were far more likely to smoke, consume alcohol, and abuse drugs. They are also more likely to become victims of violence and are routinely rejected by their families, factors that contribute to their mental well-being. But because of the assumptions their healthcare providers make, they are often not given access to the most appropriate care for their conditions or they make the choice not to seek them out due to high levels of resentment and mistrust.