Microaggressions

Microaggressions are are subtle slights and indignities based on an identity like race, gender, or sexual orientation. My research has focused on understanding how students experience microaggressions and how those experiences are related to their achievement, motivation, and well-being.

In our most recent study, we developed an app called MicroReport and had college students report whenever they experienced a microaggression over the course of nine months. You can view the Android user guide here to see how the app works. The participants also completed surveys of their identity beliefs, academic outcomes, and psychological well-being every few months. Currently, we are writing up the results and exploring:

  • what “counts” as a microaggression
  • the relationship between perceptions of microaggressions and well-being
  • how students respond to microaggressions and what are the most effective responses

Publications

Byrd, C.M. (2018). Microaggressions Self-Defense: A Role-Playing Workshop for Responding to Microaggressions. Social Sciences, 7, 9. (full text

Presentations

Responding Effectively to Microaggressions: A Research-Based Workshop (Poster)

A Thousand Cuts: Racial Microaggressions Are Related to Lower Self-Image Over Time (Poster)

Video of Forum on Microaggressions in the Classroom

Presentation on 2015-2016 Study Preliminary Findings

Presentation at NASPA NorCal 2016

Press Coverage

Initial findings to be released in study of microaggressions on campus – UCSC News

Microaggressed on Campus? There’s an App for That – Heat Street

The Subtleties of Prejudice – City on a Hill Press