Perceived microaggressions and migrant health in Germany: the role of psychological capital.

Psychological capital significantly mediated the association between perceived microaggressions and both mental and physical health outcomes among migrants in Germany.

• The study used structural equation modelling (SEM) with AMOS 29 to test mediation.
• Mediation was tested using bias-corrected bootstrapped confidence intervals.
• Higher levels of perceived microaggressions were associated with reduced psychological capital, which in turn negatively affected health outcomes.
• The sample consisted of 858 participants with a migration background residing across different federal states in Germany.

Psychological capital significantly moderated the association between perceived microaggressions and depressive symptoms, with higher psychological capital intensifying rather than buffering the link between microaggressions and poorer mental health.

• Higher psychological capital was associated with intensifying the link between microaggressions and poorer mental health outcomes.
• Psychological capital did not moderate the association between microaggressions and physical health.
• Mental health was assessed using the PHQ-9 and physical health using the PHQ-15.
• This moderation finding was contrary to a simple buffering hypothesis.

The study used validated instruments to measure perceived microaggressions, psychological capital, and health outcomes in a cross-sectional design.

• Perceived microaggressions were assessed using the BMS-9.
• Psychological capital, comprising hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, was measured using the PCQ-12.
• Mental health was assessed with the PHQ-9 and physical health with the PHQ-15.
• The study was cross-sectional, limiting causal inference.

Perceived microaggressions were associated with poorer mental and physical health among migrants in Germany.

• The association between microaggressions and health was partly explained through reduced psychological capital.
• The study examined migrants residing across different federal states in Germany.
• Both mental and physical health were negatively associated with higher levels of perceived microaggressions.

Although psychological capital supported overall well-being, it did not consistently buffer the health impacts of microaggressions.

• Psychological capital comprises hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism.
• The authors recommend that programs aimed at strengthening resilience, optimism, and self-efficacy should be combined with institutional measures to reduce discriminatory practices.
• The authors note that policies recognising microaggressions and promoting inclusive, culturally sensitive environments are essential to improving health outcomes and advancing equity for migrants in Germany.