The term "internalized cultural stigma" refers to the belief that certain socially prescribed norms and values are inherently good, right, or desirable. This includes expectations regarding heteronormative romantic or sexual relationships, where one partner is expected to be monogamous and exclusive with their significant other.
Some people may find themselves attracted to multiple partners or engage in open relationships without necessarily feeling guilty about it. This can lead to internalized cultural stigma surrounding non-exclusive relational structures, which manifests as feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and anxiety. To overcome these emotions, individuals can employ various psychological processes such as self-acceptance, positive self-talk, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness practices.
Self-acceptance involves recognizing and accepting oneself for who they are, including their attractions and relationship choices. Individuals can practice this by challenging negative thoughts and replacing them with more positive ones.
Instead of thinking "What will others think if I'm seen in public with another person?" they could say "I am proud of my choices and comfortable expressing myself authentically." Positive self-talk can also involve affirmations, wherein an individual repeats positive statements to themselves throughout the day, such as "I am worthy of love regardless of my relationship status" or "I deserve happiness regardless of how many partners I have".
Cognitive restructuring involves changing negative thought patterns into more constructive ones.
Someone might notice that they feel anxious when meeting new potential partners because they worry about being judged for having too many friends. They could then reframe this thought to something like: "Meeting new people enriches my life and allows me to explore my sexuality fully." Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or breathing exercises, can help individuals maintain a sense of awareness and control over their thoughts and emotions. This can help them better manage any internalized stigma and reduce stress related to non-exclusivity.
Individuals who embrace open relationships or polyamory may face societal pressures that make them question their own beliefs and identity.
Through self-acceptance, positive self-talk, cognitive restructuring, and mindfulness practices, they can learn to overcome these feelings and live authentically according to their needs and values.
What psychological processes help individuals overcome internalized cultural stigma surrounding non-exclusive relational structures?
The term "internalized cultural stigma" refers to the social pressure placed on an individual by society regarding how they should behave according to their culture's norms and values. In terms of non-exclusive relational structures, such as polyamory or open relationships, individuals may experience this stigma from family members, friends, coworkers, and even strangers who adhere to more traditional relationship models.