The phrase "microaggression" refers to brief and commonplace daily verbal, nonverbal, or environmental insults that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages about a marginalized group's social identity. Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) individuals often experience such discriminations due to their non-heterosexual orientation or gender expression. This can lead to psychological distress, including depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem, which may also have physical consequences such as stress-induced inflammation and immune suppression.
Research has shown that the brain processes social rejection differently than other types of rejection. In response to rejection, the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, and hippocampus are more active. The amygdala is involved in emotional processing while the prefrontal cortex plays a role in decision making and executive functioning. When people feel socially rejected, they tend to rely less on rational thinking and more on emotional responses.
Chronic exposure to microaggressions can affect LGBT individuals' cognitive abilities by activating the threat system, which can impair performance on tasks requiring focused attention and memory retrieval. It may also impact their sense of belonging and self-worth, leading them to question their identities and feel unwelcome in certain settings. Repeated experiences of exclusion can reinforce negative stereotypes and contribute to internalized homophobia or transphobia, whereby an individual accepts and adopts society's negative beliefs about themselves.
To minimize the negative effects of microaggressions, it is crucial for allies to speak up against discrimination when they witness it and educate others about the harm caused by insensitivity. Employers should provide training on inclusive language and create policies that promote diversity. LGBT individuals can practice mindfulness techniques, such as meditation, to manage stress and improve resilience. They can also seek support from mental health professionals and LGBT community organizations.
What are the neural and psychological correlates of chronic exposure to microaggressions experienced by LGBT individuals in everyday life?
Microaggressions are subtle, often unintentional forms of discrimination that occur on an individual level. They are based on negative attitudes towards minority groups such as sexual orientation, gender identity or ethnicity. Chronic exposure to microaggressions can have both physical and psychological effects on those who experience them, resulting in increased stress levels and a sense of isolation and exclusion.