Resisting Racial Microaggressions: Assessing the Moderated-Mediation Effects of Racial Microaggressions, Mindfulness Traits, Depression, and Purpose in Life

This study examined the psychological impact of racial microaggressions among racially minoritized young adults. Specifically, the study tested the direct and indirect effects of racial microaggressions on purpose of life through depressive symptoms, while also considering the buffering effects of mindfulness practices on the relationships between these variables. Using a cross-sectional design, 485 racially minoritized college students from 2 U.S. universities completed validated self-report measures assessing racial microaggressions, depressive symptoms, 2 mindfulness traits (i.e., acting with awareness and nonjudging), and purpose in life. Data were analyzed using mediation and moderated mediation analyses. Results showed racial microaggressions were associated with lower purpose in life indirectly through higher depressive symptoms. Additionally, facets of mindfulness moderated this association, such that the negative impact of microaggressions on depressive symptoms and purpose in life was strongest when mindfulness was low. These findings suggest that culturally responsive interventions that strengthen mindfulness skills may help support racially minoritized young adults in coping with the psychological impact of racial microaggressions and maintaining well-being and life purpose.