Intersectionality is an academic term that refers to how social identities such as race, gender, class, and sexual orientation overlap and intersect within individuals' experiences. Intersectional violence refers to discrimination and harassment experienced due to multiple identities, which can lead to psychological distress and mental health issues. This study examines how exposure to intersectional violence influences long-term emotional regulation in queer people. Queer is used as an umbrella term for those who identify outside of traditional heterosexual norms. Queer people may experience additional forms of violence based on their sexual identity, including physical assault, verbal abuse, hate speech, and online harassment. These experiences have been linked to negative mental health outcomes such as anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder. Emotional regulation is the ability to manage one's emotions effectively and respond appropriately to situations. Research suggests that exposure to trauma can impair emotional regulation, leading to difficulties controlling mood, impulses, and reactions. This study explores the impact of intersectional violence on emotional regulation by analyzing the responses of participants who self-identified as queer. The participants were recruited through LGBTQ+ support groups and online platforms. They completed a survey consisting of questions about demographics, interpersonal relationships, and past trauma history. The survey also included measures of emotional regulation, including the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ) and the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS). Data analysis revealed significant correlations between experiences of intersectional violence and lower levels of emotional regulation. Participants with higher levels of intersectional violence reported more difficulty managing their emotions and greater struggles with emotion regulation strategies. Implications for therapy and counseling are discussed, highlighting the importance of recognizing and addressing intersectionality in working with queer clients.
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How does exposure to intersectional violence influence long-term emotional regulation in queer people?
Intersectional violence is experienced by many queer individuals, which may impact their emotional regulation in various ways. Research shows that prolonged exposure to traumatic experiences can lead to changes in brain chemistry and neurological functioning, affecting an individual's ability to manage stress and maintain emotional balance (Smith et al. , 2019).