Article Title: "How Experiences of Moral Judgment Impact Identity Coherence, Self-Esteem, and Coping in LGBT Youth"
The concept of moral judgement is an important part of identity development for many people, particularly among members of marginalized groups such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBT) youth. This population faces unique challenges in terms of understanding their own identities and navigating social environments that may be hostile towards them due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. As a result, experiences of moral judgment can have a significant impact on their sense of self, including their self-esteem and coping strategies. In this article, I will explore how these experiences shape the lives of LGBT youth and what implications they have for mental health and well-being.
Background Information on LGBT Youth
LGBT youth are individuals who identify as anything other than heterosexual and cisgender (i.e., their gender identity matches their assigned sex at birth). They may face discrimination and prejudice from family, friends, peers, and society at large, which can lead to negative mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and suicidality.
They may experience difficulty with coming out, feeling accepted by others, and finding supportive communities where they feel safe and supported. These factors can contribute to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and low self-esteem.
Experiences of Moral Judgment and Identity Coherence
Moral judgments refer to the evaluations we make about our behaviors, actions, and beliefs based on societal norms and values. For LGBT youth, these judgments may come from various sources, including family members, religious leaders, and the broader community. When they experience negative moral judgments, it can lead to an incoherent sense of identity, as they struggle to reconcile their own internal desires with external pressures to conform to societal expectations. This can result in feelings of confusion, uncertainty, and even shame.
Effects on Self-Esteem
When LGBT youth experience negative moral judgments, it can have a significant impact on their self-esteem. They may begin to question their worth as individuals, feeling that they are not deserving of love, acceptance, or respect. This can be particularly difficult if they do not have positive role models who affirm their identities and experiences. It is important for them to find supportive networks and resources that help build resilience and promote positive self-esteem.
Coping Strategies
LGBT youth often develop coping strategies to deal with experiences of moral judgment, such as avoiding certain situations or people, hiding their sexual orientation or gender identity, or engaging in risky behaviors. These strategies can have both short-term and long-term consequences, including increased stress and anxiety, as well as negative health outcomes such as substance abuse and mental illness. It is crucial for LGBT youth to receive support and guidance in developing healthy coping mechanisms that allow them to navigate these challenges without harming themselves or others.
Experiences of moral judgment can have profound effects on the lives of LGBT youth, impacting their sense of self, self-esteem, and coping strategies. By understanding these dynamics, we can better support this population and work towards creating more inclusive and accepting societies where all individuals feel valued and supported.
How do experiences of moral judgment affect identity coherence, self-esteem, and coping in LGBT youth?
In recent years, numerous studies have been conducted on how experiences of moral judgments affect the psychological well-being of individuals from different backgrounds. While there is limited research on this topic regarding LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender) youth specifically, existing literature suggests that exposure to negative moral judgments can have significant consequences for their sense of identity coherence, self-esteem, and coping strategies.