Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
09:03
Post-Movie Subliminal Measurement PMSM, for Investigating Implicit Social Bias
Published on: February 29, 2020
6.2K
Interpreting Microaggressions: The Role of Discourse Context, Recipient Status, and Observers' Political Orientation
Thomas Holtgraves1, Rishi Sarin1,2, Rebecca Wood1
1Ball State University, Muncie, IN, USA.
Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|November 11, 2025
Summary
Understanding microaggressions involves inferring intent. Ambiguous contexts and marginalized recipients increase perceptions of microaggressions, influenced by political orientation and Theory of Mind.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Linguistics
- Sociology
Background:
- Microaggressions necessitate inferential processes to recognize aggressive intent.
- Pragmatics, particularly relevance theory, offers frameworks for understanding communication nuances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate factors influencing the perception of utterances as microaggressions.
- To examine the role of contextual relevance, recipient status, and political orientation.
Main Methods:
- Experimental design involving participants reading and evaluating interaction scenarios.
- Application of relevance theory principles to analyze communication contexts.
Main Results:
- Utterances in ambiguous contexts were more likely perceived as microaggressions.
- Marginalized recipients significantly increased microaggression perceptions.
- Political orientation, particularly liberalism, amplified these effects, linked to Theory of Mind and beliefs.
Conclusions:
- Contextual ambiguity and recipient marginalization are key drivers of microaggression perception.
- Individual differences in Theory of Mind and political ideology modulate responses to subtle discrimination.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Actor-Observer Effect
311
The actor-observer effect, a cognitive bias closely linked to the fundamental attribution error, refers to the tendency for individuals to attribute their behavior to external, situational factors while explaining others’ behavior in terms of internal, dispositional traits. This asymmetry in attribution significantly influences social perception and judgment.Cognitive Mechanisms Behind the EffectTwo primary psychological mechanisms contribute to the actor-observer effect: differences in...
311
02:55Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination
94.8K
Humans are very diverse and although we share many similarities, we also have many differences. The social groups we belong to help form our identities (Tajfel, 1974). These differences may be difficult for some people to reconcile, which may lead to prejudice toward people who are different. Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group (Allport, 1954; Brown, 2010). Prejudice is common against people who...
94.8K
01:29Impression Management Techniques III: Aligning Actions
120
Aligning actions are communicative strategies individuals employ to maintain social harmony and preserve personal identity in the face of potential disruptions to social norms. These actions are particularly important in managing social impressions when one's behavior might be seen as inappropriate, incompetent, or morally questionable.Types of Aligning ActionsThe three principal types of aligning actions are disclaimers, accounts, and apologies.DisclaimersDisclaimers are preventive; they are...
120
00:56Attribution Theory
13.7K
Behavior is a product of both the situation (e.g., cultural influences, social roles, and the presence of bystanders) and of the person (e.g., personality characteristics). Subfields of psychology tend to focus on one influence or behavior over others. Situationism is the view that our behavior and actions are determined by our immediate environment and surroundings. In contrast, dispositionism holds that our behavior is determined by internal factors (Heider, 1958).
13.7K
02:16Stereotype Content Model
15.3K
The Stereotype Content Model (SCM) was first proposed by Susan Fiske and her colleagues (Fiske, Cuddy, Glick & Xu, 2002; see also Fiske, 2012 and Fiske, 2017). The SCM specifies that when someone encounters a new group, they will stereotype them based on two metrics: warmth—or that group’s perceived intent, and how likely they are to provide help or inflict harm—and competence—or their ability to carry out that objective. Depending on the warmth-competence...
15.3K
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
222
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
222