3 Everyday Microaggressions That Could Be Harming Your Health

The words “calm down” are worse than unhelpful—they can actually increase blood pressure among new mothers of color, a study has found. Gender-based racism, expressed through microaggressions, significantly increased blood pressure in new mothers compared to women not subjected to such comments, researchers reported in a study published January 9 in the journal Hypertension. These effects were even more pronounced among women living in areas with high levels of structural racism. “It is well-known that Black, Hispanic, and South Asian women experience microaggressions during health care. It is not as well known whether these microaggressions may have an association with higher blood pressure,” said lead researcher Teresa Janevic, an associate professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health in New York, in a news release. For the study, researchers asked nearly 400 women of color who gave birth at four hospitals in Philadelphia and New York City about the microaggressions they faced during their care. The women ranged in age from 16 to 46, with about 43 percent between 20 and 29. Types of Microaggressions Reported Microaggressions took various forms, including: Invalidation: Comments like “Calm down” or “You’re overreacting,” dismissing the woman’s feelings or concerns. Stereotyping: Accusations...