Personal authenticity vs. social and family norms
Authenticity is defined as being true to one's individual personality, beliefs, and desires. It involves being honest about who you are, what you want, and how you feel. On the other hand, society has its own set of expectations for individuals based on their gender, age, race, class, religion, culture, and socioeconomic status. Families also have certain values and ideals they expect their members to adhere to. When an individual tries to balance personal authenticity with these societal and familial norms, they may experience emotional consequences that affect their mental health and well-being. This can include feelings of guilt, shame, anxiety, depression, isolation, confusion, and frustration.
Negative effects of conforming to societal norms
When someone feels pressured to conform to societal standards, it can lead to internal conflict and self-doubt. They may question whether they are good enough or worthy enough to be themselves because they don't fit into the mold that society expects them to fit into. This can cause feelings of inadequacy and a lack of self-worth.
Trying to please others by living up to their expectations can lead to resentment and burnout, which can further damage an individual's mental health.
Balancing authenticity and external pressure
Balancing personal authenticity with societal and familial expectations requires constant effort. One way to do this is to prioritize oneself over societal norms and only engage in activities that align with one's core beliefs and values. Another way is to communicate openly with family and friends about one's desires and needs without compromising oneself.
Seeking support from trusted individuals or therapy can help individuals process their emotions and develop coping strategies for managing external pressures.
Balancing personal authenticity with societal and familial norms can have negative emotional consequences on an individual's mental health and well-being.
There are ways to mitigate these effects such as prioritizing oneself, communicating openly, and seeking support. It is important to remember that each individual has the right to live authentically and pursue what makes them happy without feeling guilty or ashamed.
What emotional consequences arise from balancing personal authenticity with societal and familial expectations?
Based on research, individuals who feel pressure to adhere to social norms may experience anxiety, stress, and low self-esteem due to feelings of inadequacy, shame, or guilt. Social comparison can also lead to negative emotions such as envy and jealousy. Furthermore, managing conflicting expectations from different groups can be difficult, leading to emotional exhaustion, burnout, and internalized oppression.