Perceived microaggressions and migrant health in Germany: the role of psychological capital
Perceived microaggressions were linked to poorer mental and physical health among migrants, partly through reduced psychological capital. Although psychological capital supported overall well-being, it did not consistently buffer the health impacts of microaggressions. In practice, this means that programs aimed at strengthening resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy should be combined with institutional measures to reduce discriminatory practices in healthcare, education, and the workplace. Policies that recognise microaggressions and promote inclusive, culturally sensitive environments are essential to improving health outcomes and advancing equity for migrants in Germany.
Authors
- Klaus Boehnke
- Johanna Buchcik (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1541-3513)
- Constance Karing (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0107-3450)
- RoseAnne Misajon (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8785-2094)
- Stefanie Witt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6143-7594)
- F Metzner
- Saskia Hanft-Robert (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5766-1609)
- Sashikala Subedi
- Fagbemigun Taiwo
- Maria Salomão
- Julia Quitmann
- Adedeji Adekunle
- Jeongwon Richter
Institutions
- Universität Hamburg (DE)
- Constructor University (DE)
- Stellenbosch University (ZA)
- Horizon Health Network (CA)
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (DE)
- Cairnmillar Institute (AU)
- HAW Hamburg (DE)
- Friedrich Schiller University Jena (DE)
- Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München (DE)
- International University (KH)
Publication Details
- Journal
- BMC Psychology
- Published
- 2026-01-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s40359-025-03920-5
- Citations
- 2
- Primary Topic
- Migration, Health and Trauma
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 88.22