Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41501925›Full record

ArticleBMC psychology2026

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

Adekunle Adedeji, Constance Karing, Saskia Hanft-Robert, Franka Metzner, Sashikala Subedi, Jeongwon Richter, Maria Salomão, RoseAnne Misajon, Fagbemigun Taiwo, Stefanie Witt and 3 more

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Article in BMC psychology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. An erratum has been issued. Not yet cited in PubMed.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
0citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

13 authors.

Adekunle AdedejiFaculty of Social Work and Childhood Education, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany. Adekunle.adedeji@haw-hamburg.de.
Constance KaringDepartment of Educational Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany.
Saskia Hanft-RobertDepartment of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Franka MetznerDepartment of Medical Psychology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
Sashikala SubediFaculty of Social Work and Childhood Education, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany.
Jeongwon RichterFaculty of Social Work and Childhood Education, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany.
Maria SalomãoFaculty of Social Work and Childhood Education, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany.
RoseAnne MisajonThe Cairnmillar Institute, Melbourne, Australia.
Fagbemigun TaiwoHorizon Resource Network E.V., Hamburg, Germany.
Stefanie WittFaculty of Social Work and Childhood Education, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany.
Johanna BuchcikFaculty of Health, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany.
Julia QuitmannFaculty of Social Work and Childhood Education, Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Hamburg, Germany.
Klaus BoehnkeBremen International Graduate School of Social Sciences (BIGSSS), Constructor University, Bremen, Germany.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundRepeated exposure to microaggressions, subtle and often unintentional forms of discrimination, can undermine the well-being of migrant populations. This study examines the role of psychological capital, comprising hope, self-efficacy, resilience, and optimism, in mediating and moderating the association between perceived microaggressions and health outcomes among migrants in Germany.

methodsIn the cross-sectional study, a total of 858 participants with a migration background residing across different federal states in Germany completed a questionnaire assessing sociodemographic factors, rates of perceived microaggression (BMS-9), psychological capital (PCQ-12), and mental (PHQ-9) and physical health (PHQ-15). Structural equation modelling (SEM) using AMOS 29 was conducted to examine whether psychological capital mediates the association between perceived microaggressions and health outcomes. Mediation was tested using bias-corrected bootstrapped confidence intervals, with model fit evaluated through established indices.

resultsPsychological capital significantly mediated the association between perceived microaggressions and both mental and physical health outcomes. Higher levels of perceived microaggressions were associated with reduced psychological capital, which in turn negatively affected health outcomes. Psychological capital significantly moderated the association between microaggressions and depressive symptoms, with higher psychological capital intensifying the link between microaggressions and poorer mental health; however, it did not moderate the association between microaggressions and physical health.

conclusionPerceived 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.

Indexed as

AggressionHealth StatusResilience, PsychologicalTransients and MigrantsAdultCross-Sectional StudiesFemaleGermanyHopeHumansMaleMental HealthMiddle AgedOptimismSelf EfficacyYoung AdultGermanyImmigrantMicroaggressionPersonal resourcesQuality of lifeSocial exchangeSocial support

Identifiers

PMID41501925
PMCPMC12849378

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Registered trials

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.