Bryant-Davis, T. (2018). Microaggressions: Considering the Framework of Psychological Trauma. Microaggression Theory: Influence and Implications, 86-101.

Abstract

Microaggressions are intentional or unintentional brief acts of subtle or covert bias and discrimination aimed at persons from targeted groups, which may trigger memories of past individual or collective acts of oppression. Researchers exploring the potential trauma of microaggressions have looked beyond traditional notions of physical, single‐event trauma to acknowledge emotional trauma. The convergence of historical trauma with contemporary trauma in the form of microaggressions is explored in the lives of American Indians. Along with researching the motivation and effects of microaggressions, investigators have examined the protective factors and coping strategies. Researchers and clinicians need to continue to expand the view of microaggression trauma to reach beyond post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Microaggressions can rise to the level of a psychological trauma based on either the cumulative effect of multiple acts over time or single events that trigger memories of prior personal or collective traumatic acts of oppression.