Internalized Moral Expectations
The term "internalized" means to accept something as true within oneself without external pressure or influence. Internalized moral expectations are those rules, values, and principles that a person has taken into themselves, seeing them as part of their own identity and behavior. These can be acquired through socialization, education, religion, culture, family upbringing, or experience. They form an individual's ethics system which determines how they perceive right and wrong actions and decisions. Someone who internalizes societal moral standards may feel guilty when acting against them, see themselves as unworthy, or judge others harshly for violating them.
Psychological Consequences
When someone internalizes societal moral expectations as personal ethical standards, they may become anxious about breaking these rules even if there is no real harm involved. This can lead to low self-esteem and feelings of shame, guilt, and fear of punishment. It can also cause difficulties in interpersonal relationships, leading to isolation, depression, and mistrust. People who struggle with perfectionism, people pleasing, or overachievement may especially suffer from this.
Identity Crisis
Internalizing moral expectations as personal ethical standards can result in an identity crisis. When someone's sense of morality comes mainly from outside sources rather than within themselves, it leaves them vulnerable to outside pressures and influences. They may feel like they have little control over their lives, causing confusion and anxiety. This can lead to a feeling of disconnection from one's true self, resulting in difficulty expressing emotions, making choices, and living authentically.
Mental Health Issues
Internalized moral expectations can also impact mental health negatively by creating a rigid way of thinking that causes stress and conflict. If a person feels they must always adhere to strict rules, they may experience burnout, anger, frustration, or resentment towards those who don't share the same beliefs. This can lead to social withdrawal, substance abuse, aggression, or other unhealthy coping mechanisms.
Religious Beliefs
People raised in religious environments often develop strong internalized values based on scripture or doctrine. These values may include sexual restrictions such as premarital sex, abortion, homosexuality, or promiscuity, which can be harmful if they conflict with an individual's desires or preferences. Religious trauma is common when someone experiences shame or guilt for breaking these standards, leading to feelings of worthlessness and doubt about faith.
Gender Roles
Society typically expects women to prioritize domestic life and men to focus on work or career. Those who do not conform to gender roles may face criticism and ostracism, which can cause internal conflicts between personal identity and societal norms. Internalizing this expectation can result in low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and relationship difficulties. It can also make it hard to recognize and advocate for needs or interests outside of traditional gender roles.
Solutions
To overcome the psychological consequences of internalized moral expectations as ethical standards, people can reevaluate their values and beliefs. They can examine how external forces have shaped them and consider different perspectives, philosophies, or religions that challenge their current views. Therapy, support groups, and self-reflection exercises can help individuals understand themselves better and gain a stronger sense of autonomy. Acceptance and tolerance for others' choices and perspectives can reduce stress and increase empathy.
Internalizing moral expectations as ethical standards has serious psychological implications that affect mental health, relationships, and overall wellbeing. By recognizing this phenomenon, individuals can learn to question their assumptions, explore alternatives, and live more authentically.
What psychological consequences arise from internalizing societal moral expectations as personal ethical standards?
The internalization of societal moral expectations as personal ethical standards can have several negative psychological effects on an individual. Firstly, it may lead to feelings of guilt, shame, or anxiety when one fails to meet these expectations, leading to self-criticism and low self-esteem. Secondly, it may create an overwhelming sense of pressure to conform to these norms, which can result in suppressing authenticity and creativity.