On repairing racial ruptures after racial microaggressions: A mixed methods study with Black graduate students.

Abstract

Racially insensitive remarks and racial microaggressions often cause racial ruptures-instances of relational strain-yet little is known about how these ruptures can be effectively repaired, particularly in the experiences of Black individuals. This investigation comprised two studies: a qualitative interview study with 12 Black Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics graduate students to develop a conceptual model of repair strategies and an experimental vignette study with 165 Black graduate students to assess their perceived effectiveness of these strategies. Study 1 identified the Pyramid of Repair Strategies framework, while Study 2 confirmed the perceived effectiveness of each repair strategy within the framework. The Accountability repair strategy emerged as the most effective. These findings underscore the need to expand diversity, equity, and inclusion approaches-often prevention-oriented-to incorporate relational repair. The Pyramid of Repair Strategies provides a foundational framework for research and practice aimed at fostering more productive and sustainable cross-racial relationships with Black individuals. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).