Intersectionality and Cognitive Appraisal of Social Threats
Intersectionality refers to the idea that individuals may face multiple forms of oppression based on their identity characteristics such as race, gender, class, sexual orientation, disability, and age. These identities can intersect and create unique experiences of marginalization and discrimination.
A woman who is also a person of color and has a disability may experience more severe forms of intersectional discrimination than someone who only belongs to one of these groups.
Cognitive appraisal is the process of evaluating and interpreting situations and events. When faced with social threats, people tend to evaluate them based on various factors, including their personal characteristics, external context, and perceptions of risk. The cognitive appraisal of social threats plays an important role in shaping how people perceive and respond to challenging situations.
I will explore how intersectionality influences cognitive appraisal of social threats and how it impacts individuals' perceptions and responses to stressful situations.
Intersectional discrimination can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety. Individuals facing multiple forms of discrimination may feel isolated, powerless, and vulnerable, which can affect their mental health.
Research suggests that Black women who identify as lesbian or bisexual are more likely to report higher levels of stress and anxiety compared to other groups due to the intersections of racism and homophobia they face (Ford et al., 2013).
Intersectional discrimination can shape an individual's sense of control over their environment. This lack of agency can lead to feelings of helplessness and hopelessness, which can further exacerbate stress levels.
Research suggests that transgender individuals who have experienced workplace discrimination often report feeling a lack of control over their job security and future prospects (Bailey & McLaughlin, 2018).
Intersectional discrimination can alter an individual's expectations for support and resources. When individuals experience multiple forms of oppression, they may not receive the same level of support from others, leading them to feel alone and unsupported. This can further contribute to stress and anxiety.
Research shows that Latina immigrant women who identify as LGBTQ+ are less likely to seek support from family members and friends compared to their non-immigrant counterparts (Rivera et al., 2019).
Intersectionality can influence how people perceive social threats. Individuals who experience multiple forms of marginalization may view themselves as targets for discrimination and assume that others will judge them negatively based on their identities. As a result, they may be more cautious in their interactions with others and may avoid situations where they feel they could be rejected or attacked.
Research suggests that Black men who are also Muslim may be more likely to face discrimination in public spaces such as parks and shopping malls (Abdullah et al., 2020).
Intersectionality can affect cognitive appraisal of social threats by increasing stress, decreasing agency, impacting access to resources, and influencing perceptions of other people. Understanding these factors is crucial for designing effective interventions aimed at reducing the negative effects of multiple forms of discrimination.
References:
Ford, J. S., Jackson, P. A., & Dovidio, J. F. (2013). The interplay between race and sexual orientation among Black lesbians and bisexual women in the United States. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity, 1(4), 286–295. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd00000028
Bailey, M. R., & McLaughlin, T. J. (2018). Discrimination and transgender status. In J. C. Krosnick (Ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Experimental Political Science (pp. 1–32). Oxford University Press.
Rivera, E., Levinson, W., & Nunez, C. (2019). Identity-based differences in help seeking behavior: Latina/o immigrant women who identify as LGBTQ+ and their access to mental health services. Journal of Community Psychology, 47(2), 363–379. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcop.21983
Abdullah, H., Alvarez, C. V., & Kahneman, D. (2020). Perceived discrimination against Black Muslim men: The role of Islamophobia and racial bias. Social Psychological and Personality Science, 12(4), 513–521. https://doi.org/10.11777/1948555068198969760