Topic 3 Psychological Health Effects of Micro-aggressive Stress

Micro-aggressions exclude, negate, or nullify the psychological thoughts, feelings, or experiential reality of a person or group. They can make victims feel like they are being mistreated or excluded.

The psychological dilemmas which create, can lead to increased levels of racial anger, mistrust, and loss of self-esteem. Racism and discrimination result increased rates of depression, prolonged stress, trauma, and anxiety.

Over time micro-aggressions create inner conflict and chronic stress. Those who experience micro-aggression might feel tension which leads to physical tightness, and anxiousness. They can often deal with confusion, anger, anxiety, helplessness, hopelessness, frustration, paranoia and fear which lead to negative coping mechanisms, such as denial, substance abuse and withdrawal. In conclusion, being a victim (or a witness) of micro-aggressive behaviour can lead to trauma, anxiety and depression symptoms, as well as social phobias and anti-social behaviour.