A person's identity is shaped by their experiences, including those related to discrimination based on race, gender, age, disability, education level, economic status, religion, and more. Discrimination can be a negative experience that causes psychological distress and affects an individual's physical and mental health. Queer people may face additional challenges due to societal norms and biases against them. Intersectionality refers to how these identities interact with one another and shape an individual's lived reality. This study explores the long-term cognitive and emotional impacts of repeated discrimination on queer individuals. It also examines how intersectionality shapes these experiences and what therapeutic models could mitigate generational trauma.
Long-Term Cognitive and Emotional Impacts of Repeated Discrimination
Repeated discrimination can lead to negative consequences for both cognition and emotion. Research shows that victims of discrimination tend to develop anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental illnesses. They are also more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as substance abuse or self-harm.
Discrimination has been linked to increased blood pressure, heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. The effects of discrimination on the brain can be long-lasting, leading to changes in neurological function and structure.
How Intersectionality Shapes These Experiences
Intersectionality involves considering how multiple identities intersect within an individual and how they are shaped by social structures and institutions.
Queer women who are also people of color have unique experiences compared to white queer women. Research suggests that intersectional forms of discrimination can exacerbate the effects of discrimination based solely on sexual orientation. As a result, it is important to consider the complex interplay between different identities when addressing discrimination's impact on individuals.
Therapeutic Models That Mitigate Generational Trauma
Generational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to another. It occurs when individuals experience trauma during their childhood or adolescence and pass it down to future generations through parenting styles or other interactions. While there is no guaranteed cure for this type of trauma, several therapeutic models can help mitigate its effects. One model is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. Another model is mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), which teaches individuals to cultivate awareness and acceptance of thoughts and emotions.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) works to process past memories and distressing events.
This study has explored the long-term cognitive and emotional impacts of repeated discrimination on queer individuals. Intersectionality shapes these experiences as various identities interact with each other in unique ways.
Some therapeutic models can be used to mitigate generational trauma related to discrimination and its effects.