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
The Spectrum of Microaggression
Microaggression exists on a spectrum from mild to severe and presents in different ways depending on individual circumstances, biology, and triggers.
Major Types of Microaggression
Mental health professionals distinguish between several key presentations of microaggression, each with distinct features, triggers, and optimal treatment approaches.
Acute vs. Chronic: Some people experience intense but brief episodes of microaggression; others have more persistent, lower-intensity patterns.
Primary vs. Secondary: Microaggression can be a primary condition or secondary to another mental health or medical issue.
Situational vs. Generalized: Microaggression may be triggered by specific circumstances or more pervasive across life domains.
Why the Type Matters for Treatment
Different presentations of microaggression often respond to different treatment approaches. Accurate assessment of which type you're experiencing guides better treatment decisions.