Guilt and Minority Stress
The term "guilt" refers to an unpleasant feeling that is often accompanied by feelings of remorse, self-blame, shame, or regret for something one has done wrong, bad, or harmful. Guilt can be both external and internalized. External guilt comes from outside sources such as social norms, cultural values, religious beliefs, or parental expectations. Internal guilt, however, originates within oneself. It is usually related to past behaviors, thoughts, or emotions that one considers immoral or wrong. Both forms of guilt are common among LGBTQ youth who experience stigma and discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. The minority stress theory proposes that being part of a marginalized group leads to chronic psychological challenges like depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and suicidality. This stress is exacerbated when individuals feel guilty about being part of this group.
Interactions between Guilt and Minority Stress
When LGBTQ youth experience guilt, they may feel ashamed of their identities and struggle with accepting themselves. They may blame themselves for society's disapproval or rejection of them, leading to negative emotional health outcomes.
In a study of 518 LGBTQ young adults, those who reported more frequent experiences of internalized homophobia (i.e., the belief that same-sex attractions are wrong) were more likely to have higher levels of depressive symptoms, compared to those with less internalized homophobia. Another study found that internalized homonegativity (negative attitudes towards homosexuality) was associated with lower mental health in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals. These findings suggest that internalized guilt can have significant implications for emotional well-being.
It is important to note that not all LGBTQ youth experience internalized guilt in response to minority stress. Some may develop resilience and learn to cope effectively with discrimination and prejudice by seeking support from peers or mentors, engaging in positive activities, practicing self-care, or adopting a growth mindset. Others may reject societal norms and embrace their identities, experiencing pride rather than shame.
Internalized guilt interacts with minority stress to influence emotional health and coping among LGBTQ youth. This interaction highlights the importance of addressing both forms of stigma simultaneously through affirmative therapy, education, and community support. It also underscores the need for further research on effective interventions that promote positive identity development, reduce internalized guilt, and improve mental health outcomes in this population.
In what ways does internalized guilt interact with minority stress to influence emotional health and coping in LGBTQ youth?
Internalized homophobia refers to negative attitudes and beliefs about one's sexual orientation that individuals may have acquired as a result of socialization into heterosexist norms (e. g. , "Being gay is wrong"). These beliefs can lead to feelings of shame, self-loathing, and low self-esteem, which can negatively impact mental health and well-being.