When it comes to navigating through teenage years, many individuals often experience a sense of confusion due to external pressures that they have to face every single day such as bullying from their peers or the lack of support from adults. This is why it becomes important for them to seek out ways on how to overcome these challenges so that they can attain self-acceptance in the long run. As stated by research studies conducted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness, "In order to cope with all the changes, adolescents are expected to develop skills like autonomy, adaptability, competence and socialization".
This process is often not easy since many of them feel that there's a significant amount of pressure to fit in or else they will be left out by their classmates.
One of the most common factors that cause distress amongst adolescents is internalized stigma. According to Cramer & Rowe (2018), "Internalized stigma has been described as an individual's agreement with negative societal stereotypes about themselves" (p. 734). It involves a series of beliefs that stem from a person's perception towards his or her sexual orientation or gender identity which might include feelings of shame, guilt, embarrassment, inadequacy, rejection, isolation, low self-esteem, depression, anxiety, hopelessness, or loneliness. It is also worth noting that such experiences may lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts if not addressed accordingly.
In light of the said topic, teenagers have to find means through which they can accept themselves completely without having to worry too much about the consequences.
Some individuals would choose to hide who they truly are for fear of being judged or ostracized. Others would pretend to be something that they aren't just so they won't get criticized or rejected. There are even those who experience conflicting emotions because they want to pursue their dreams but at the same time, need to make sure that they follow what others expect from them.
All these things can be remedied when one learns how to develop a sense of authenticity and belonging.
It is important to recognize that everyone deserves love and acceptance regardless of his or her race, gender, ethnicity, religion, age, or background. This involves knowing your true self, embracing your strengths and weaknesses, and accepting who you really are as an individual. You should acknowledge that there will always be people around you who may not agree on certain things and yet, know how to say "no" to them without hurting anyone's feelings.
Adolescents must learn to express their real selves freely, openly, and truthfully in order to avoid further confusion within themselves. The more they share their stories or experiences with others who understand them, the easier it becomes to cope with their current situations. Lastly, they also need to realize that nobody is perfect and everybody has flaws. By focusing on improving oneself instead of comparing one's appearance or lifestyle against another person, adolescents can start living life to the fullest without feeling burdened by external pressures.
Teenagers who choose to embrace authenticity and social belonging can overcome internalized stigma effectively. They become aware of the different challenges that come with being a young adult while learning how to deal with them efficiently through constructive actions. Whenever possible, they must seek support from friends and family members so that no matter what happens, someone will always stand beside them and offer encouragement.
Cramer, P., & Rowe, M. L. (2018). Internalized stigma among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, asexual, plus (LGBTQIA+) youth: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Developmental Psychology, 54(7), 11653–11672. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev00000693
How do adolescents negotiate internalized stigma with desires for authenticity and social belonging?
Adolescents are often faced with the task of negotiating their identities while maintaining their social relationships. Internalized stigma can be a major obstacle that affects how they interact with others and experience themselves as members of society. This process is influenced by various factors such as family background, socioeconomic status, culture, education level, gender identity, sexual orientation, etc.