Intersecting Marginalized Identities and Psychological Functioning
In today's society, people often face discrimination due to their race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, disability status, or social class. These identities can influence how they experience life, including their mental health.
Research suggests that individuals who identify with multiple forms of oppression are more likely to be resilient than those who do not. This is known as intersectionality. In this article, I will explore how intersecting marginalized identities affect resilience, relational satisfaction, and psychological functioning in everyday life.
Research has shown that people who hold several marginalized identities may develop unique strategies for coping with adversity.
A Black transgender woman may feel more comfortable expressing her emotions with friends from similar backgrounds because she shares experiences of both racism and sexism. She may also rely on spiritual practices or activist communities that provide support and validation. On the other hand, an LGBTQIA+ person without a physical disability may have fewer resources available for coping with stressors related to their identity. Thus, understanding one's identity and its implications can help build resilience.
Intersectional identities can also impact relational satisfaction.
A man from a low-income family may struggle to maintain relationships if his partner comes from wealthier circumstances, creating tension about financial differences. Similarly, a bisexual woman may find it challenging to navigate heteronormative spaces and build intimacy when she does not fit into traditional relationship roles. Understanding these dynamics can promote empathy and communication between partners.
Intersectional identities can shape psychological functioning. A queer non-binary individual may experience higher levels of anxiety due to social stigma and lack of representation, leading them to seek mental health services. Likewise, a disabled person may struggle with feelings of isolation or self-esteem issues related to ableism. By acknowledging these factors, individuals can work towards greater wellbeing through therapy or self-care practices.
Intersecting marginalized identities play a significant role in everyday life, including psychological functioning, relational satisfaction, and resilience. Recognizing how these identities interact can help people create meaningful connections and thrive despite adversity.
How do intersecting marginalized identities affect resilience, relational satisfaction, and psychological functioning in everyday life?
Intersectional discrimination refers to individuals' experiences of multiple forms of oppression due to their race, gender, sexuality, age, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, or other factors (Pérez & Rincón, 2019). Accordingly, people who belong to these groups may experience unique challenges that make them more vulnerable to experiencing mental health problems, stress, anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem.