Microaggression and discrimination exposure on young adult anxiety, depression, and sleep

Increasing research examines social determinants of health, including structural oppression and discrimination. Microaggression - subtle/ambiguous slights against one's marginalized identity - is distinct from discrimination, which typically presents as overt and hostile. The current study investigated the comparative effects of each exposure on young adult anxiety, depression, and sleep. Race-stratified analyses investigated patterns across groups.

Young adults (N = 48,606) completed the Spring 2022 American College Health Association-National College Health Assessment III. Logistic regressions tested odds of anxiety symptoms, depressive symptoms, and sleep disturbance in association with microaggression and discrimination exposure.

Microaggression and discrimination equally predicted increased likelihood of anxiety symptoms (OR_Micro = 1.42, OR_Discrim = 1.46). Discrimination more strongly predicted depressive symptoms (OR = 1.59) and sleep disturbance (OR = 1.54) than did microaggression (OR_Depress = 1.24, OR_Sleep = 1.27). Race-stratified analyses indicated stronger associations between the each exposure and poor mental health in Whites than Asian American, Black/African American, and Hispanic or Latino/a/x respondents.

Microaggression and discrimination exposure were each assessed using a single item. The outcome measures were not assessed using validated measures of anxiety, depression, and sleep (e.g., GAD-7, MOS-SS); thus results should be interpreted with caution. Analyses were cross-sectional hindering our ability to make causal inferences.

The findings provide preliminary evidence that microaggression and discrimination exposure operate on health in distinct ways. Racially marginalized individuals may demonstrate a blunted stress response relative to Whites. Treatment approaches must be tailored to the particular exposures facing affected individuals to maximize benefits.