The impact of gender‐based microaggressions and internalized sexism on mental health outcomes: A mother–daughter study

• Published date: 01 February 2022
• Author: Nicole D. Feigt,Melanie M. Domenech Rodríguez,Alejandro L. Vázquez
• Date: 01 February 2022
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.1111/fare.12622

RESEARCH

The impact of gender-based microaggressions and

internalized sexism on mental health outcomes:

A mother–daughter study

NicoleD.Feigt | MelanieM.DomenechRodríguez|

Alejandro L. V

azquez

Department of Psychology, Utah State

University, Logan, Utah, USA

Correspondence

Melanie M. Domenech Rodríguez,

Department of Psychology, Utah State

University, 2810 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT

84322-2810, USA.

Email: melanie.domenech@usu.edu

Funding information

College of Education and Human Services,

Grant/Award Number: Graduate Student

Research Award; Department of Psychology,

Utah State University, Grant/Award Number:

Graduate Student Endowment Fund

Abstract

Background: Although research is emerging on the subtle

slights that women experience, research is needed regarding

the frequency with which gender-based microaggressions

occur, their impact on mental health, and how views on

gender roles may influence their impact.

Objective: The current study examined how mothers and

daughters experienced gender-based microaggressions,

internalized sexism, and mental health symptoms.

Methods: The sample included 102 predominantly White

mother–daughter pairs. Adolescents were 14 to18years old,

and mothers were34 to 68 years old. Mothers and daughters

answered surveys including a demographic questionnaire,

the Gender-Microaggressions Scale, Ambivalent Sexism

Inventory, the Patient Health Questionnaire—9 for depres-

sion, and the GeneralAnxiety Disorder—7foranxiety.

Results: Greater gender-related microaggressions experi-

enced in the past month were related to higher levels of

mental health distress associated with depression and anxi-

ety among mothers and daughters (p< .05). Mothersand

daughters scores were significantly correlated (p< .05) for

microaggressions experienced in the past month, total

score of the Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, depression, and

anxiety. For mother’s depression, a mother’s level of

ambivalent sexism approached significance in terms of

moderating the relationship between microaggressions and

mental health (p=.055).

This research was supported by a College of Education and Human Services & Department of Psychology Graduate Research Award

grant to Nicole D. Feigt.

Received: 1 May 2020Revised: 6 November 2020Accepted: 31 January 2021

DOI: 10.1111/fare.12622

© 2021 National Council on Family Relations.

Family Relations. 2022;71:201–219.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/fare 201

Conclusion: Our findings suggest that microaggressions are

related to mental health distress in adolescent girls and

middle-aged women.

Implications: Uncovering the chronic nature of gender-

based microaggressions and how these may affect individ-

uals and family systems may be useful in individual and

family therapy as well as in efforts to change broader

social processes.

KEYWORDS

Gender, mental health, microaggressions, mothers and daughters, sexism

Although instances of overt sexism have become less frequent in the past decades, researchers

have noted the emergence of more covert forms of gender bias and discrimination

(e.g., assumption of traditional gender roles or inferiority; Capodilupo et al., 2010). Covert

forms of discrimination can be corrosive in that they may leave the recipient feeling put down

but unable to clearly articulate the reason (Sue et al., 2007). The term microaggressions has been

described as brief, commonplace messages that devalue or degrade an individual because of

their membership in an oppressed group (Sue et al., 2007). In the past decade, extensive research

has emerged examining the prevalence and effects of microaggressions against individuals based

on their race or ethnicity. Growing research highlights similar issues involving microaggressions

against persons on the basis of other group memberships, such as women; lesbian, gay, bisex-

ual, and transgender individuals; and individuals with disabilities (Sue, 2010; Sue &

Capodilupo, 2008).

The current study focuses on gender microaggressions. Data were gathered to understand

the relationship between gender microaggressions and women’s mental health. We were par-

ticularly interested in mother-daughter dyads for their shared gender socialization and possi-

bly common life experiences while also holding differences in generational status.

MICROAGGRESSIONS

Research has documented the association between microaggressions and negative mental health

outcomes (e.g., internalizing problems, stress/negative affect; Lui & Quezada, 2019). Sue

et al. (2007) defined microaggressions as brief, everyday verbal, behavioral, and environmental

acts that communicate hostile, negative, and insulting messages to oppressed groups. Micro-

aggressions are believed to stem from stereotypes and negative views held by others, which

often lead to the ambiguous nature of the microaggression. Often, the person who is saying the

microaggression does not realize that they have offended someone, and sometimes they may

even think they are being complimentary (e.g., saying to a Chinese American student “I can’t

believe how well you speak English!”).

Microaggressions can be subtle to the receiver as well, sometimes leaving the receiver feeling

bad without having an exact reason to pinpoint. Sue’s work on microaggressions began with

examining microaggressions against individuals of oppressed racial and ethnic backgrounds.

Since then, racial microaggressions have been associated with negative impacts on psychologi-

cal and physical health (Flores et al., 2010; Lambert et al., 2009; Torres & Ong, 2010). In the

past decade, the work has expanded to examine microaggressions regarding gender and sexual

orientation (Sue, 2010), disability status (Keller & Galgay, 2010), gender identity (Nadal, 2013),

and religious minorities (Nadal et al., 2012).

202 FAMILY RELATIONS