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

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundAlthough 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.ObjectiveThe current study examined how mothers and daughters experienced gender‐based microaggressions, internalized sexism, and mental health symptoms.MethodsThe sample included 102 predominantly White mother–daughter pairs. Adolescents were 14 to 18 years old, and mothers were 34 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 depression, and the General Anxiety Disorder—7 for anxiety.ResultsGreater gender‐related microaggressions experienced in the past month were related to higher levels of mental health distress associated with depression and anxiety among mothers and daughters (p < .05). Mothers and 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).ConclusionOur findings suggest that microaggressions are related to mental health distress in adolescent girls and middle‐aged women.ImplicationsUncovering the chronic nature of gender‐based microaggressions and how these may affect individuals and family systems may be useful in individual and family therapy as well as in efforts to change broader social processes.