- The discussion about disability can be complex because certain mental disorder diagnoses can be considered a disability while others are considered comorbid conditions with another disability
- Despite this, research shows that people affected by their disability report higher rates of anxiety and affective disorders


University of Virginia, Charlottesville

Individuals with a disability experience many types of ableism in their daily lives: one type being microaggressions. Disabled adults who experience microaggressions regularly have lower mental health quality, increased negative affect, and higher somatic symptoms. These microaggressions sustain stereotypes and discrimination against marginalized groups. 

Ableist Microaggressions and the Mental Health of Disabled Adults

Kattari, S. K. (2020). Ableist microaggressions and the mental health of disabled adults. Community Mental Health Journal, 56(6), 1170–1179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-020-00615-6 

Ableist Microaggressions and the Mental Health of Disabled Adults Reference

- Originally coined in response to instances of racism but has since expanded to include sexism, homophobia, ableism, transphobia, and xenophobia 
- There are three proposed types of microaggressions: microinsults (unintended and unrecognized), microassaults (intentional and discriminatory), and microinvalidations (discredits the realties and experiences of people who hold marginalized identities

Origins of Microaggressions

Disability and Mental Health

- Sexist microaggressions can cause mental health issues in women, racial microaggressions impact the mental health of people of color, and homophobic microaggressions negatively correlate with the mental health of LGBTQ+ individuals; however, no studies specifically aimed at studying the impact of ableist microaggressions existed until recently
- Research has shown a significant relationship between ableist microaggressions and poorer mental health and are a concern for all people with disabilities

Microaggressions and Mental Health

It is important to recognize that microaggressions can heavily impact an individual’s mental health. Counselors, social workers, human service professionals, and therapists can use this information to give better mental health services to adults with a disability. There is no way for any one person to get rid of ableism, but simply acknowledging its existence can go a long way in reducing stigma. 

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