Table 2.
Summary of gaps in existing racial microaggressions literature
| Conceptual gaps | Consequences yet to be explored | Methodological gaps |
|---|---|---|
| Microassults is one type of microaggressions that seems to overlap with overt racism. Therefore, how do racial microaggressions conceptually differ from overt racism when microassults are deliberate by definition? | Psychological and physical health outcomes of racial microaggressions, specifically longterm effects. | The initial wave of racial microaggressions researchers used are qualitative methods. Therefore, limitations of qualitative approaches need to be addressed for racial microaggressions research. |
| The racial microaggressions themes of different racial groups have broadened from Sue et. al’s original conceptualization. Therefore, is there an overarching taxonomy of microaggressions for all POC, or should taxonomies be developed for different racial groups? | In regards to the microaggression process model, the immediate reaction phase still needs to be explored. | Quantitative scales of racial microaggressions rely on self-report and recall which makes it difficult to determine the immediate and proximal effects of microaggressions. |
| Do members of the non-visible racial and ethnic minorities experience racial microaggressions differently, or even experience them at all? | The cumulative effect of racial microaggressions across one’s life. | The clinical utility of existing racial mircoaggression scales requires investigation. |
| Do racial microaggression experiences vary across immigrant and non-immigrant groups? | Consequences of racial microaggressions perpetrated between and within groups of racial and ethnic minority status. | There is a need for more experimental and longitudinal designs. |
| How does internalized oppression play a role in the recognition and experience of racial microaggressions? | How, and to what degree, do preferred coping mechanisms, like spirituality, mitigate the effects of racial microaggressions? What is the inverse relationship between racial microaggressions and coping mechanisms? | |
| How do racial microaggresions differ from, relate to, or fit in with other theoretical models of discrimination? |