Microaggressions can be defined as small acts that have negative social implications based on race, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, age, religion, ability level, etc. These can include verbal comments, nonverbal gestures, or actions that communicate hostile or derogatory attitudes towards an individual or group. Institutional biases are the systematic disadvantages experienced by minority groups due to institutional policies, practices, or procedures. Cultural assumptions refer to expectations about certain behaviors, beliefs, values, customs, or norms within specific cultural contexts.
Queer adolescents may experience microaggressions related to their sexual orientation or gender identity, such as being called names or excluded from activities because they do not conform to societal norms. They may also face institutional bias in schools or workplaces where there is little tolerance for diversity or where there are policies that limit access to resources, opportunities, or support.
They may encounter cultural assumptions that deny the validity of their identities or experiences.
These forms of discrimination can have significant effects on mental health, including increased anxiety, depression, isolation, low self-esteem, and emotional distress. It can lead to difficulty forming relationships, feeling safe and secure in one's environment, and developing a positive sense of self. In turn, these experiences can impact identity development by creating feelings of alienation, shame, and confusion about who they are and what they want.
Effective mitigations for microaggressions may involve advocating for change at institutions, educating others about queer identities and experiences, building support networks, and seeking out affirming spaces. Mitigations for institutional bias could include working with administrators to create more inclusive policies and programs or finding alternative options outside of the traditional educational setting. Mitigations for cultural assumptions might involve challenging stereotypes and biases, seeking out role models and mentors, and engaging in political activism.
How do microaggressions, institutional bias, and cultural assumptions accumulate to affect mental health and identity development among queer adolescents, and what mitigations are effective?
Queer teenagers who experience multiple forms of discrimination may have more severe mental health issues compared to their peers. In fact, research suggests that individuals who identify as LGBTQ+ face higher rates of depression and anxiety than heterosexual cisgender individuals (Duberstein et al. , 2018).