The current research focuses on how individuals cope with adversities using their own unique ways of thinking and beliefs. These ways of understanding themselves and the world can be called 'moral philosophies'. Moral philosophy is the study of right and wrong conduct, which includes ethics, politics, law, economics, science, and art. It provides a framework for reflecting on the nature of moral choices and evaluating them based on personal experiences. Researchers argue that engagement with moral philosophy can help people to develop strategies for coping with difficult situations such as discrimination and bullying. Moreover, it can provide psychological resilience by helping individuals to understand themselves better. LGBT youth are particularly vulnerable to these types of adverse events because they face prejudice from society due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
According to some studies, LGBT youth experience more psychological distress than non-LGBT counterparts due to discriminatory behavior.
One study found that 40% of transgender teens reported attempting suicide in the past year compared to 18% among cisgender (non-trans) peers. Another study discovered that bisexual youth experienced high rates of bullying, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. While there are many factors contributing to this phenomenon, moral philosophy may offer an explanation for why some LGBT youth fare better than others.
One way that moral philosophy informs LGBT youth's coping strategies is through developing a sense of self-acceptance. Many people who identify as LGBT have been taught that their sexuality or gender identity is wrong or immoral. They may feel ashamed, guilty, or confused about their feelings.
When they engage with moral philosophy, they can learn that there is no objective standard for what constitutes 'right' or 'wrong.' Instead, moral philosophies vary across cultures and time periods. This understanding allows them to challenge societal norms and embrace their identities without guilt. A sense of self-acceptance has been linked to improved mental health outcomes such as lower levels of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.
Moral philosophy also provides a framework for interpreting experiences. It encourages people to reflect on how their actions affect others and themselves.
If someone who identifies as gay is mistreated by another person because of their sexual orientation, they might think about whether this behavior is morally justified. They could consider different perspectives and weigh options for responding in a productive way. In addition, they might seek support from family, friends, or professionals to process their experience. By doing so, they build resilience by learning how to cope with adversity effectively.
Moral philosophy can help individuals find meaning in difficult situations. When faced with discrimination or bullying, some LGBT youth may wonder why it happened or question the purpose of life. Engaging with moral philosophy helps them make sense of these questions and gives them a sense of agency over their lives. They can develop their own answers based on personal beliefs, rather than relying on society's expectations. This can lead to greater psychological wellbeing, increased coping skills, and reduced risk for negative outcomes such as substance abuse.
Engagement with moral philosophy plays an important role in helping LGBT youth to cope with adverse events. By developing a sense of self-acceptance, interpreting experiences through different lenses, and finding meaning in difficult times, they can build resilience and improve mental health outcomes.
More research is needed to understand exactly how moral philosophy impacts resilience among vulnerable populations.
How does engagement with moral philosophy inform LGBT youth's coping strategies and psychological resilience?
Engaging with moral philosophy can help LGBTQ+ youth develop coping strategies and psychological resilience by providing them with a framework for understanding their experiences and identities within larger social and cultural contexts. Philosophy can provide tools for critical thinking, analysis, and reflection that may help individuals process difficult situations or life events and develop healthier ways of dealing with stressors.