Page 10 - AASP Summer 2014 Newsletter

message that characterizes an action as a microaggression.
It is the subtle and unintentional
Three speciic types of microaggressions have been identiied

in the literature (Sue et al., 2007):
aspects of microaggressions that

make them dificult to identify
Microassaults, much like overt discrimination, include

conscious and explicit verbal or nonverbal attacks intended
because the interpersonal
to hurt, suppress, or discriminate against an individual or

group. An example would be fans making monkey sounds
interactions in which they occur
toward Brazilian footballers.

are often not perceived as biased

Microinsults are subtle, often unintentional, actions that or discriminatory.

convey rudeness, insensitivity, and/or demean a person’s

cultural identity or heritage. Take, for instance, a coach

stating, “I’m a slave driver” in the presence of Black athletes

or criticizing a Jewish athlete for not playing on Yom Kippur.
It is the subtle and unintentional aspects of microaggressions

that make them dificult to identify because the interpersonal

interactions in which they occur are often not perceived as biased
Microinvalidations are subtle and unintentional
or discriminatory. Perpetrators tend to have an inherent belief

communications that exclude, negate, or nullify the that they are operating from a place of goodness and equality,

psychological thoughts, feelings, or experiences of a
and thus have dificulty accepting that they hold biased attitudes
targeted person or group. For example, asking a female
and engage in discriminatory behaviors (Sue, 2004). Those on
client if she has a boyfriend (negating the experience of
the receiving end of the communication are often left wondering
lesbians) or stating that one does not “see race” (thus
if an offense actually occurred (Sue, 2010). Despite the ambiguity
dismissing the experiences of racial minorities) (Shelton &
of the transgression, the emotional/psychological impacts

Delgado-Romero, 2011; Sue et al., 2007).
of microaggressions are undeniable and include increased

feelings of frustration, anger, anxiety, depression (Solórzano,

Further, the following represent some of the common themes Ceja, & Yosso, 2000; Wang, Leu, & Shoda, 2011), low self-esteem,

of microaggressions that have been identiied in the literature self-doubt, isolation (Solórzano et al., 2000; Sue et al., 2008),

(i.e., Sue et al., 2007; Shelton & Delgado-Romero, 2011): (a) the feeling alienated, invisible, and as if one’s cultural values are

ascription of intelligence on the basis of race (i.e., referring constantly invalidated (Burdsey, 2011; Sue et al., 2007). Literature

within sport psychology suggests that these factors can
to a Black athlete as being “articulate”); (b) avoidance and

minimization of sexual orientation; (c) assuming that Asian negatively inluence sport performance and exercise motivation

Americans or Latino Americans are foreign-born; and (d) the (i.e., Burdsey, 2011; Jordan, 2010). Further, microaggressions

sexual objectiication of women.
may lead to unsatisfactory work relationships (Constantine &

AASP Newsletter // Summer 2014 // Work More Effectively with Clients by Being Aware of Microaggressions

10
IN THIS ISSUE
VISIT US ONLINE:
WWW.APPLIEDSPORTPSYCH.ORG