A microaggression is a subtle, often unintentional, form of prejudice . Rather than an overt declaration of racism or sexism, a microaggression often takes the shape of an offhand comment, an inadvertently painful joke, or a pointed insult. For example, a person might comment that an Asian American employee speaks English well. Another might ask where an American Indian student is from. A woman ma
What Is Microaggression? (Plain Language Explanation)
Microaggression refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Microaggression
- Symptoms: The specific ways microaggression shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen microaggression
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When microaggression occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Microaggression
- Microaggression is far more common than most people realize
- Microaggression is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with microaggression see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about microaggression is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing microaggression, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.