Internalized stigma refers to the process through which individuals internalize negative attitudes about themselves based on their identities, experiences, traits, behaviors, or characteristics. This internalization can lead to negative self-esteem, shame, and self-blame, ultimately impacting an individual's sense of identity.
This phenomenon is influenced by various factors such as cultural expectations, societal norms, and relational contexts, making it more complicated than simple social psychological processes. In this article, we will explore how these variables interact with internalized stigma to shape identity formation, focusing on its implications for individuals' mental health and well-being.
Cultural Expectations
Cultural expectations refer to the beliefs, values, and ideals held by a particular group regarding acceptable behavior, appearance, and lifestyle choices. These expectations are often communicated through media, family, peers, and other social institutions and influence individuals' perceptions of what constitutes normality or abnormality in society.
Some cultures may perceive certain physical attributes, occupations, or sexual orientations as taboo or undesirable, leading to stigmatizing attitudes towards those who exhibit them. Internalizing these attitudes can cause feelings of shame and embarrassment that affect one's overall identity.
If someone comes from a conservative culture where being queer is not accepted, they might experience external stigma due to discrimination and prejudice.
They may start to internalize these negative messages and develop a distorted view of themselves, believing they are unworthy or undeserving of love, acceptance, and belongingness. This internalization can lead to low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts. As a result, their sense of identity becomes fragmented, and they struggle to find a sense of belongingness within their community.
Societal Norms
Societal norms refer to socially sanctioned patterns of behavior, belief, and attitudes that govern individual actions and interactions. They reflect the dominant ideologies, power structures, and cultural practices that shape everyday life. Individuals who do not conform to these norms face exclusion, marginalization, and stigmatization.
People who break gender norms by dressing or acting outside traditional roles are often labeled as 'abnormal,' causing them to internalize negative views about themselves.
In many societies, there are strict gender roles and expectations for men and women regarding appearance, behavior, and sexuality. If someone identifies with non-binary gender, they may face rejection, mockery, and hostility from others. This can lead to internalized stigma, making it challenging to form a coherent identity.
Some trans individuals have difficulty accepting their gender identity because they fear rejection from family, friends, and society. The resulting internal conflict can lead to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and self-harm.
Relational Contexts
Relational context refers to the social environment in which an individual interacts with others, including family, peers, coworkers, and partners. These relationships influence our perceptions, behaviors, and emotions and play a significant role in shaping identity formation.
If someone is rejected by loved ones due to their identity, it can lead to feelings of isolation, rejection, and self-doubt.
This rejection can cause them to question their very existence, leading to a fragmented sense of identity.
Positive relationships in which people feel accepted, valued, and supported promote positive self-esteem, self-worth, and a strong sense of identity.
These relationships are not always accessible to everyone, particularly those who belong to marginalized groups. Individuals with disabilities, ethnic minorities, or religious backgrounds often experience exclusion, discrimination, and prejudice that affects their identity development. In addition, people in abusive relationships might develop negative views about themselves due to constant criticism, manipulation, and control, further compounding their insecurities.
Internalized stigma interplays with cultural expectations, societal norms, and relational contexts to shape identity formation. When individuals internalize negative messages based on their identities, they may struggle to form a coherent sense of self-identity, resulting in low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.
Promoting positive attitudes towards diversity and inclusion, challenging gender roles, and creating supportive environments can help mitigate these effects.
How does internalized stigma interact with cultural expectations, societal norms, and relational contexts to affect identity formation?
Internalized stigma is a complex phenomenon that can be influenced by many factors, including cultural expectations, societal norms, and relational contexts. It refers to the process whereby an individual comes to believe negative stereotypes about themselves based on their membership in a particular group, leading them to feel shame, guilt, or self-doubt.