Sexual orientation is influenced by genetics, hormones, environmental factors, and social experiences.
Sexual orientation refers to an individual's innate attraction towards members of the opposite/same sex. The spectrum of sexual orientation includes heterosexuals (straight), homosexuals (gay), bisexuals, pansexuals, etc. It can be determined at birth or emerge during adolescence through socialization. Research has shown that genes play a role in determining sexual orientation, but it cannot be changed once established. Hormonal imbalances and early exposure to certain drugs have also been linked to sexual development. Societal attitudes toward sexual orientation are shaped by cultural norms and historical events like Stonewall Riots, which led to greater awareness and acceptance of LGBT individuals. These attitudes influence how people express themselves, form relationships, and experience stressors differently.
LGBT adults may face discrimination in education, employment, housing, healthcare access, and legal rights, leading to higher levels of stress, depression, anxiety, and suicidality than their cisgender peers.
They may internalize stigma and shame from family, friends, and society, impacting self-esteem and coping strategies. To understand these phenomena further, this essay will explore various studies examining the relationship between societal attitudes and emotional regulation among LGBT adults.
Exploring the Link Between Societal Attitudes and Stress Response Among LGBT Adults
Societal attitudes towards sexual orientation can affect an individual's stress response through direct and indirect mechanisms. Direct effects include discrimination based on gender identity/expression, such as being verbally harassed, physically attacked, or denied basic services due to one's sexuality. This can lead to heightened cortisol levels (stress hormone) and alterations in the brain's fear circuitry, resulting in hypervigilance and avoidant behaviors. Indirect effects involve internalized homophobia/transphobia, where an individual holds negative beliefs about their sexuality and experiences internal distress. A study by Trafimow et al. found that internalized homophobia was linked to greater psychological distress and poorer mental health outcomes compared to external factors like discrimination. Another factor is the social support network available to LGBT individuals, which moderates the link between societal attitudes and stress response. According to a report by Mental Health America, LGBTQ+ people with access to affirming communities have better physical and mental health than those without such networks.
The Role of Emotional Regulation in Coping With Stressors Among LGBT Adults
Emotional regulation involves managing emotions effectively, including expressing them appropriately, accepting them, and reducing their intensity. It involves cognitive and behavioral strategies like mindfulness meditation, deep breathing exercises, and positive self-talk.
LGBT adults may use these techniques to cope with stigma-related stressors like employment discrimination, family rejection, or microaggressions.
They may also experience difficulty regulating strong feelings of guilt, shame, sadness, or anger due to internalized homophobia/transphobia. This can impair daily functioning, leading to increased risk for suicide attempts and substance abuse. To address this issue, interventions are needed that target both emotional regulation skills and social contexts that contribute to negative attitudes towards sexuality.
How do societal attitudes toward sexual orientation influence the stress response and emotional regulation in LGBT adults?
### Societal attitudes toward sexual orientation can significantly impact the stress response and emotional regulation of LGBT individuals in various ways. Firstly, discrimination and prejudice from others may lead to feelings of isolation, rejection, anxiety, and depression which ultimately result in an increased level of stress hormones like cortisol.