Gendered racial microaggressions, psychological distress, and job-related burnout among Asian American women in the STEM workplace: The role of perceived exploitation and diversity climate

Despite risks that perceptions of gendered racial microaggressions pose for Asian American women’s well-being, little is known about how the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workplace shapes their perceptions and related work and health outcomes. Predominantly White and male, STEM workplaces present distinct challenges for Asian American women. Data was collected from 384 Asian American women in STEM workplaces to investigate gendered racial microaggression experiences linked to psychological distress and job-related burnout. Further, we examined whether these links could be explained by perceived exploitation, and if diverse climate might buffer these associations. Findings indicate that gendered racial microaggressions were significantly associated with psychological distress and job-related burnout. Perceived exploitation mediated the associations between gendered racial microaggressions with psychological distress and job-related burnout. Lastly, while there was no significant moderation of the direct pathways linking gendered racial microaggressions to psychological distress or job-related burnout, the indirect association via perceived exploitation was significantly stronger at mean and high levels of perceived diversity climate, suggesting an exacerbating effect rather than a buffering effect. These findings challenge assumptions about diversity climate’s protective role, and highlight the need for substantive interventions that address the unique intersectional challenges Asian American women face in STEM workplaces.