1. Reactions to Witnessing Ethnic Microaggressions: An Experimental Study
- Author
-
Melanie M. Domenech Rodríguez, Alexandra Kathryn Reveles, Sarah Schwartz, Lucas Torres, and Felicia Mata-Greve
- Subjects
050106 general psychology & cognitive sciences ,Clinical Psychology ,Social Psychology ,05 social sciences ,Ethnic group ,050109 social psychology ,0501 psychology and cognitive sciences ,Psychology ,Social psychology - 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.
- Published
- 2020