Gender Microagression Psychoeducation

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Mental Health

• Registration Number: NCT07120360
• Lead Sponsor: Yuzuncu Yıl University

Brief Summary

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Gender-Based Microaggression Awareness and Prevention Psychoeducation Program, which was designed to enhance awareness of gender-based microaggressions among female university students and to improve their coping skills. The program's impact on gender role attitudes and psychological distress was also examined.

Methods: The research employed a quasi-experimental design with pre-test and post-test measurements. Gender-based microaggressions are defined as subtle but harmful actions or expressions targeting individuals' identities, often perpetrated unconsciously. In particular, gender-based microaggressions perpetuate traditional gender roles, undermine women's autonomy, and negatively affect psychological well-being, constituting invisible barriers in social and professional life.

The psychoeducation program consisted of six modules aiming to increase awareness of microaggressions, develop coping and assertiveness skills, enhance critical thinking regarding gender roles, and reduce gender role stress. The program included theoretical knowledge, experiential learning, assertiveness training, and stress management strategies. A total of 80 students participated, with 31 assigned to the experimental group and 49 to the control group.

Instruments: Data were collected using the Personal Information Form, Ambivalent Sexism Inventory, Female Microaggressions Scale, Depression-Anxiety-Stress Scale (DASS-21), and semi-structured interviews prepared by the researcher.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2024-02-21
• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Primary Completion: 2025-04-21
• Study Completion: 2025-04-21
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-26
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-08-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-08-06
• Study First Posted: 2025-08-13
• Last Update Posted: 2025-08-13

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: Female
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

• Being a woman,
• Knowing Turkish,
• Not having any communication problems (language, hearing, etc.).
• Being 18 years of age or older,
• Being willing to participate in the research.

Exclusion Criteria

• Having a mental or physical problem that prevents communication,
• Being male

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Gender microagressions level	From enrollment to the end of psychoeducation at 6 weeks	The scale developed by Miyake (2018) aims to measure gender-based microaggressions experienced by women throughout their lives. The scale was developed through a two-phase study and consists of eight thematic factors: sexual objectification; second-class citizenship/assumptions of inferiority; traditional gender roles; denial of sexism; sexist language use; environmental microaggressions; implicit threat to physical safety; and explicit threat to physical safety. Each factor represents a specific form of microaggression, using thematic classifications instead of the typical categories of microassaults, microinsults, or microinvalidations. The scale includes 34 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Never, 4 = Often).
Gender Role Attitudes	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks	The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) was developed by Glick and Fiske (1996) to assess perceptions of sexism and adapted into Turkish by Sakallı-Uğurlu (2002). The scale consists of 22 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 6 = strongly agree) and includes two subscales: hostile sexism and benevolent sexism. Hostile sexism reflects negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviors toward women, emphasizing their inferiority and weakness. Benevolent sexism involves seemingly positive but patronizing attitudes based on patriarchal values, such as the belief that women should be protected and cherished. Although conceptually distinct, both dimensions contribute to the persistence of gender inequality. Higher scores indicate higher levels of hostile or benevolent sexism.
Psychological Distress Level	From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks	The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) were developed by Lovibond and Lovibond (1995) to assess three components of negative emotional states: depression, anxiety, and stress. The original scale includes 42 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = Did not apply to me at all, 3 = Applied to me very much). The short version, DASS-21, was developed by Antony et al. (1998) and has been shown to be a valid and reliable tool. The Turkish adaptation of DASS-21 was conducted by Sarıçam (2018). The scale does not produce a total score; instead, each subscale is scored separately, with scores ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate higher levels of depression, anxiety, or stress in the corresponding subscale.

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Van Yuzuncu Yıl University Campus /Faculty of Health Sciences/van/turkey; 🇹🇷 Van, Tusba, Turkey

Van Yuzuncu Yıl University; 🇹🇷 Van, Tusba, Turkey