Perceived Microaggressions Among Student Physical Therapists During Their Doctor of Physical Therapy Education: A Mixed-Methods Study.

introductionMicroaggressions, although often subtle and unintentional, have a significant impact. These actions emerge from stereotypes and can affect the recipient's sense of belonging. This study aimed to report the prevalence of perceived microaggressions among student physical therapists and to explore these experiences during their academic journey. REVIEW OF LITERATURE: Microaggressions can disrupt the learning environment, hinder students' academic and professional development, and contribute to a culture perpetuating inequality and exclusion. To date, no studies have explored the impact of microaggressions on student physical therapists. SUBJECTS: Second- and third-year student physical therapists (n = 101) were invited to participate.

methodsThis explanatory sequential mixed-methods study consisted of a quantitative survey and a qualitative approach using semistructured focus group interviews. Demographics and frequency of microaggressions were collected, and data from the interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and analyzed to interpret and summarize students' perceptions and experiences with microaggressions during their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) education.

resultsForty-eight of 101 students completed the survey. More than half (52.1%) of the students reported at least 1 microaggression experience in the past month, mostly perpetrated by a classmate (55.6%). Twenty-three students participated in the focus group interviews. Five themes emerged from the qualitative analysis: 1) Microaggressions can exist in a DPT program; 2) hesitancy to call out microaggressions; 3) microaggressions negatively affect the student experience; 4) students often do not understand what microaggressions are nor do they recognize when they are offenders; 5) early education and awareness may help mitigate microaggressions and create a culture of inclusivity, belonging, and professionalism. DISCUSSION AND

conclusionThis study described the prevalence of perceived microaggressions among student physical therapists and explored their experiences during their DPT education. Additional research on integrating microaggressions and implicit bias training into curricula to reduce the prevalence of perceived microaggressions would provide valuable information.