microintervention

A microintervention is a brief, context-specific action designed to prevent or mitigate negative outcomes as they unfold in real time. Unlike larger programs, microinterventions are short, scalable, and require minimal training, often delivered by peers, educators, or health professionals. They aim to interrupt harmful thoughts, discriminatory behavior, or emotional distress at the moment it occurs, or to provide immediate support that can alter future outcomes.

Contexts and forms: In social psychology and education, microinterventions target bias, stereotype threat, or microaggressions, with actions such as calling out a remark, offering an alternative framing, or redirecting a conversation. In mental health or crisis settings, brief grounding exercises, safety planning prompts, or resource suggestions fall under microinterventions. In digital environments, prompts, nudges, and short messages guide coping or help-seeking.

Implementation and evidence: Research spans psychology, education, organizational behavior, and e-health. Findings show variable effectiveness depending on context, timing, delivery, and cultural sensitivity. Benefits include scalable reach and immediate support; risks include misapplication, perceived policing or backlash, and privacy concerns. Ethical considerations include consent, confidentiality, and ensuring interventions do not replace systemic change.

Relation to broader concepts: Microinterventions are related to bystander intervention, de-biasing, anxiety management, and crisis communication. They are sometimes integrated into larger programs or digital tools to promote inclusive environments and mental well-being.