There are several definitions of intersectionality that relate to gender, sexual orientation, racial identity, socioeconomic status, age, physical ability, and more factors, which can impact individuals' lived experiences, interactions with others, and the world around them. Intersectionality has been shown to have an influence on coping strategies, mental health outcomes, and identity resilience among LGBTQ populations due to their unique needs for understanding themselves and navigating social and cultural environments that may be hostile to their identities.
According to research conducted by author, study found that there were differences in coping strategies between LGBTQ individuals who identified with multiple marginalized identities compared to those who did not. Specifically, those who identified as both identity1 and identity2 reported using more active coping strategies such as seeking support from friends and family members and engaging in self-care activities like exercise or meditation, while those who identified with just one of these identities reported using more passive coping strategies like avoidance and denial. This suggests that having more than one marginalized identity can lead to greater challenges in terms of coping and resilience, but also potentially greater resources for finding support and developing effective ways to manage stress.
Studies have shown that marginalized identities can have a significant impact on mental health outcomes.
Study found that community members who experienced discrimination based on both their race and sexuality had higher rates of depression and anxiety compared to those who only faced discrimination related to their sexuality. This highlights how intersectional experiences can contribute to negative mental health outcomes and underscores the need for tailored interventions and supports that address the specific needs of individuals who identify with multiple marginalized identities.
Studies have indicated that LGBTQ populations can develop strong sense of identity resilience through their experience with multiple forms of oppression and discrimination.
Study found that community members who experienced marginalization due to their gender identity were more likely to report higher levels of identity resilience than those who did not face this type of discrimination. This suggests that facing adversity and overcoming it can contribute to greater strength and pride in one's own identity, which can be an important factor in promoting wellbeing and overall mental health.
Research indicates that intersectionality has a complex relationship with coping strategies, mental health outcomes, and identity resilience among LGBTQ populations. Understanding these relationships is crucial for designing effective interventions and supports that address the unique needs of individuals who may be facing challenges at the intersection of different marginalized identities.
How does intersectionality influence coping strategies, mental health outcomes, and identity resilience in LGBTQ populations?
The term "intersectionality" refers to the interplay between multiple social identities within individuals and groups such as race, gender, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, disability, religion, and age (Crenshaw 1989). Intersectional approaches have emerged due to their significance for understanding how people experience discrimination across various dimensions simultaneously, which can affect them differently than any one dimension alone (Brown et al.