Racial Microaggressions, Self-Efficacy, and Readiness for Change in Healthcare

This talk examines how racial microaggressions in medical settings influence self-efficacy and readiness for health behavior change among Black Americans. Using quantitative and qualitative data from nearly 1,000 participants, Dr. Amanda Almond demonstrates that self-efficacy mediates the relationship between experiences of racism and motivation to adopt health-promoting behaviors. Extending this framework to healthcare professionals, she applies the Transtheoretical Model of Behavior Change to conceptualize readiness for anti-racist practice. A stage-matched Decisional Balance Measure for DEI training is introduced to evaluate perceived barriers and benefits. This dual focus on patients and providers reframes health equity as a reciprocal process grounded in empowerment, education, and the restoration of agency within medical systems.