Gender Microagression Psychoeducation

Primary outcomes

1. Gender microagressions level

   Time frame: From enrollment to the end of psychoeducation at 6 weeks

   The scale developed by Miyake (2018) aims to measure gender-based microaggressions experienced by women throughout their lives. The scale was developed through a two-phase study and consists of eight thematic factors: sexual objectification; second-class citizenship/assumptions of inferiority; traditional gender roles; denial of sexism; sexist language use; environmental microaggressions; implicit threat to physical safety; and explicit threat to physical safety. Each factor represents a specific form of microaggression, using thematic classifications instead of the typical categories of microassaults, microinsults, or microinvalidations. The scale includes 34 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (1 = Never, 4 = Often).

2. Gender Role Attitudes

   Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

   The Ambivalent Sexism Inventory (ASI) was developed by Glick and Fiske (1996) to assess perceptions of sexism and adapted into Turkish by Sakallı-Uğurlu (2002). The scale consists of 22 items rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1 = strongly disagree, 6 = strongly agree) and includes two subscales: hostile sexism and benevolent sexism. Hostile sexism reflects negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviors toward women, emphasizing their inferiority and weakness. Benevolent sexism involves seemingly positive but patronizing attitudes based on patriarchal values, such as the belief that women should be protected and cherished. Although conceptually distinct, both dimensions contribute to the persistence of gender inequality. Higher scores indicate higher levels of hostile or benevolent sexism.

3. Psychological Distress Level

   Time frame: From enrollment to the end of treatment at 6 weeks

   The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) were developed by Lovibond and Lovibond (1995) to assess three components of negative emotional states: depression, anxiety, and stress. The original scale includes 42 items rated on a 4-point Likert scale (0 = Did not apply to me at all, 3 = Applied to me very much). The short version, DASS-21, was developed by Antony et al. (1998) and has been shown to be a valid and reliable tool. The Turkish adaptation of DASS-21 was conducted by Sarıçam (2018). The scale does not produce a total score; instead, each subscale is scored separately, with scores ranging from 0 to 21. Higher scores indicate higher levels of depression, anxiety, or stress in the corresponding subscale.