Acceptability of Racial Microaggressions From the Perspective of Speech-Language Pathology Students

Area of Science:

• Speech-language pathology
• Health professions education
• Implicit bias research

Background:

• Implicit racial and ethnic biases are prevalent in allied health professions.
• Research on implicit bias in speech-language pathology is limited.
• Understanding student perceptions of microaggressions is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate implicit racial and ethnic bias among speech-language pathology students.
• To examine student attitudes toward the acceptability of racial and ethnic microaggressions.
• To determine if perceptions varied based on students' racial and ethnic identity (White vs. people of color).

Main Methods:

• A survey was administered to 59 speech-language pathology students (72% White, 28% people of color).
• The Acceptability of Racial Microaggressions Scale was used.
• Data were collected via an online Qualtrics survey.

Main Results:

• 70% of student ratings deemed microaggressive statements unacceptable.
• 30% of ratings considered statements acceptable or neutral.
• White students rated more statements as acceptable compared to students of color.

Conclusions:

• Speech-language pathology students generally reject microaggressive statements, which is encouraging.
• Non-uniform responses indicate a need for continued education on microaggressions.
• A notable proportion of students showed passivity or endorsement of microaggressions.