EXAMINING THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN MICROAGGRESSION AND PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AMONG PAKISTANI EMERGING ADULTS

Abstract

Microaggressions are subtle verbal, behavioral, or environmental expressions of prejudice that communicate derogatory messages toward marginalized groups and have been increasingly recognized as a source of psychological harm. Although a growing body of research has linked microaggressions with adverse mental health outcomes, limited evidence exists regarding these relationships among emerging adults in Pakistan. The present study examined the association between gender and racial microaggressions and psychological distress among Pakistani emerging adults. A cross-sectional research design was employed, and data were collected from 291 participants aged 18 to 29 years recruited through purposive sampling from public and private universities in Lahore, Pakistan. Participants completed a demographic questionnaire and the Gendered Racial Microaggressions Scale (GRMS). One-way analyses of variance were conducted to examine differences in microaggression experiences based on histories of depression, anxiety, and varying stress levels. The findings revealed that participants with a history of depression reported significantly higher levels of microaggression frequency, appraisal, and total microaggression experiences compared to those without depression. Similarly, participants with a history of anxiety reported significantly higher scores across all microaggression dimensions. Significant differences were also observed across stress levels, with individuals experiencing moderate and extreme stress reporting the highest levels of microaggressions. These findings suggest that experiences of gender and racial microaggressions are associated with elevated psychological distress among Pakistani emerging adults. The study contributes to the limited literature on microaggressions in non-Western contexts and highlights the importance of addressing subtle forms of discrimination as a factor associated with depression, anxiety, and stress. Implications for mental health professionals, educators, and policymakers are discussed.