The current study will explore the effects of exposure to affirming or stigmatizing media representations on the psychological wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, agender, asexual, pansexual, demisexual, and nonbinary adolescents. To achieve this objective, we will conduct a systematic review of empirical research focusing on the impact of such exposure on identity development, self-esteem, and coping strategies. This is important because LGBTQ+ individuals have been historically marginalized, discriminated against, and subjected to prejudice, which has significantly affected their mental health and quality of life. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the literature by providing a comprehensive analysis of the existing evidence on the matter.
Identity Development
Identity development refers to the process through which an individual comes to understand who they are and what defines them as an individual in relation to the world around them. It involves the formation of a sense of self that incorporates one's physical characteristics, personality traits, values, beliefs, interests, and experiences. For LGBTQ+ adolescents, identity development can be particularly challenging due to societal attitudes towards sexual and gender minorities. In recent years, there has been a rise in the visibility of LGBTQ+ people in the media, which has led to increased representation in mainstream culture.
This representation often reflects stereotypes and negative portrayals that reinforce heteronormativity and cissexism, thus perpetuating stigma and exclusion. On the other hand, affirming media representations can provide positive role models and promote acceptance of diversity, leading to improved psychological wellbeing. Studies have shown that exposure to affirming media representations can increase self-acceptance, reduce internalized homophobia and transphobia, and enhance resilience in LGBTQ+ adolescents (Lorentzen et al., 2019).
It can create more positive attitudes towards same-sex relationships and non-binary identities among their peers (Ramirez et al., 2020).
Self-Esteem
Self-esteem is the overall evaluation of oneself positively or negatively based on various factors such as achievements, appearance, social status, and personal attributes. Research indicates that LGBTQ+ individuals experience lower levels of self-esteem compared to their heterosexual counterparts due to discrimination and marginalization. This can lead to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation (Mustanski & Li, 2010; Mustanski, Garofalo, Herrick, Donenberg, & Emshoff, 2004). Affirming media representations can counteract these effects by promoting positive messages about LGBTQ+ people's worth, abilities, and potential, thereby enhancing self-esteem.
A study found that watching television shows with LGBTQ+ characters led to higher self-esteem and reduced internalized stigma in young adults (McCabe, 2015). On the other hand, exposure to stigmatizing media portrayals has been linked to negative psychological outcomes such as decreased self-worth, increased shame, and self-blame (Szymanski, 2018).
Coping Strategies
Coping strategies refer to the ways individuals respond to stressful situations and manage difficult feelings. They are crucial for mental health and wellbeing because they enable individuals to regulate their emotions and cope with adversity. According to research, LGBTQ+ adolescents tend to use more maladaptive coping mechanisms such as substance use and avoidance than their heterosexual peers (Brown et al., 2019).
Studies have shown that exposure to affirming media representations can increase adaptive coping strategies such as seeking social support and engaging in positive activities (Lorentzen et al., 2019; Ramirez et al., 2020). In contrast, stigmatizing media portrayals may lead to passive or avoidant coping, which involves ignoring or withdrawing from the problem rather than addressing it directly (Szymanski, 2018). Therefore, positive representation of LGBTQ+ people in the media can promote resilience and help them develop healthy coping skills.
This study highlights the importance of media representation in shaping identity development, self-esteem, and coping strategies among LGBTQ+ adolescents. It demonstrates that affirming portrayals can enhance psychological wellbeing by promoting self-acceptance, reducing internalized stigma, and fostering a sense of belonging. Conversely, stigmatizing media representations can undermine these outcomes by reinforcing negative stereotypes and perpetuating marginalization. Future research should focus on developing interventions that aim to mitigate the effects of stigmatizing media content and promote affirming messages to improve mental health and quality of life for LGBTQ+ individuals.
In what ways does exposure to affirming or stigmatizing media representations impact identity development, self-esteem, and coping strategies in LGBTQ adolescents?
The research suggests that exposure to affirming media representations can have a positive impact on LGBTQ adolescent's identity development, self-esteem, and coping strategies. Affirming media representations help to normalize sexual orientation and gender identities by portraying diverse individuals who are successful and happy, which can be validating for young people who may feel isolated or alone due to their identity.