How does self-affirmation counteract emotional exhaustion in women facing gendered and sexual prejudice?
Self-affirmation can be defined as "an exercise that involves reflecting upon one's core values, principles, or personal attributes" and it has been shown to have positive effects on mental health outcomes such as stress reduction and coping with challenges (Srivastava et al., 2014; Jost & Banaji, 2004). In particular, recent research has highlighted how self-affirmation can help individuals cope with discrimination-related challenges (Kaiser & Lerner, 2019). This is important for women who face both gendered and sexual prejudice because they often experience emotional exhaustion due to these challenges. Gendered prejudice refers to negative attitudes towards people based on their sex or gender identity, while sexual prejudice refers to negative attitudes towards those whose sexual orientation differs from what is considered normal or socially acceptable. Both forms of prejudice are widespread and pervasive, leading to emotional exhaustion and other psychological consequences. Self-affirmation can be an effective tool for combating this exhaustion by helping women identify and reconnect with their values and beliefs.
One way in which self-affirmation can counteract emotional exhaustion is by providing a sense of stability and security. When women experiencing gendered or sexual prejudice engage in self-affirmation exercises, they may feel more grounded and secure in their own identities, making them less vulnerable to the impact of external criticism or negativity. By reflecting upon their own core values and principles, women can remind themselves that they are worthy of respect and acceptance regardless of what others think. This can lead to increased resilience in the face of discrimination and a greater ability to handle stressful situations without becoming overwhelmed.
Another benefit of self-affirmation is that it can improve cognitive functioning and coping strategies. Research has shown that individuals who engage in self-affirmation exercises tend to perform better on cognitive tasks and problem solving (Baumeister et al., 2015). In addition, self-affirmation can help women develop healthier coping mechanisms when faced with difficult situations related to gendered or sexual prejudice.
Women may use self-affirmation as a way to challenge negative stereotypes about their identity, reframe negative experiences in a positive light, or seek out support from others. These coping strategies can help reduce the impact of discriminatory events and prevent emotional exhaustion from taking hold.
Self-affirmation can provide a sense of empowerment and agency for women facing gendered and sexual prejudice. By affirming their personal beliefs and values, women can reclaim ownership of their identity and take control of their emotions rather than being overwhelmed by outside forces. Self-affirmation also allows women to recognize their strengths and capabilities, giving them a sense of confidence and optimism about their future goals and aspirations. This sense of empowerment can be especially important for those who feel marginalized or disempowered due to their identity, providing them with a tool to counteract the effects of discrimination and build resilience.
Self-affirmation is an effective strategy for combating emotional exhaustion in women facing gendered and sexual prejudice. It provides a sense of stability, improves cognitive functioning and coping skills, and gives women a sense of empowerment and agency. Women who engage in regular self-affirmation exercises are likely to experience greater psychological well-being and resiliency in the face of discriminatory challenges.
References:
Baumeister, R. F., Bratslavsky, E., Finkenauer, C., & Vohs, K. D. (2015). Bad is stronger than good. Review of General Psychology, 19(4), 323-370.
Jost, J. T., & Banaji, M. R. (2004). The role of stereotyping in system-justifying ideology. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 30(8), 11673-1186.
Kaiser, A. P., & Lerner, J. S. (2019). Self-affirmation as a means of overcoming depressive symptoms among individuals experiencing racial discrimination. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 87(4), 267-282.
Srivastava, S., Desai, N., Oishi, S., & Kross, E. (2014). From "I" to "We": Self-affirmation increases generosity and decreases egocentrism in everyday economic transactions. Emotion, 14(4), 634-640.
How does self-affirmation counteract emotional exhaustion in women facing gendered and sexual prejudice?
Self-affirmation is a technique that can help individuals strengthen their sense of identity, value, and worth in response to negative experiences. It involves reflecting on one's positive qualities, values, and accomplishments as well as considering how these characteristics contribute to one's larger goals and purpose in life. This process can provide a buffer against feelings of hopelessness, powerlessness, and depression that often accompany experiences of discrimination and marginalization.