Chronic Exposure to Discrimination Affects Stress Responses, Emotional Regulation, and Psychological Well-Being in LGBT Individuals
Research suggests that chronic exposure to discrimination can have negative effects on health and well-being, including increased risk for mental and physical health problems such as depression, anxiety, substance abuse, heart disease, and cancer.
There is limited research on how this relates specifically to LGBT individuals. This review will examine the current literature on the impact of chronic exposure to discrimination on stress responses, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being in LGBT populations.
It is important to define what constitutes "chronic" exposure to discrimination. Researchers typically refer to this as repeated or persistent experiences of prejudice and marginalization based on sexual orientation or gender identity. These experiences may include verbal harassment, physical violence, or social exclusion from social support networks. They may also encompass more subtle forms of discrimination, such as being misgendered, having one's name mispronounced, or experiencing microaggressions in the workplace.
Studies have found that chronic exposure to discrimination can lead to elevated levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, which can disrupt the body's immune system and increase inflammation. In addition, it has been associated with alterations in brain function, including decreased activity in regions involved in emotion regulation and increased activation of areas linked to threat detection and avoidance.
Chronic exposure to discrimination can also affect emotional regulation by impairing an individual's ability to manage their emotions effectively. Studies have shown that LGBT individuals who experience high levels of discrimination are less able to regulate negative emotions, particularly those related to anxiety and depression. This may contribute to poorer mental health outcomes over time.
Chronic exposure to discrimination can have a profound impact on psychological well-being, including lower self-esteem, higher rates of depression, and reduced life satisfaction. It can also lead to greater feelings of isolation, loneliness, and hopelessness.
Research suggests that chronic exposure to discrimination has far-reaching effects on stress responses, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being in LGBT populations. Addressing these issues requires both individual interventions (such as mindfulness practices and therapy) and broader social change efforts aimed at reducing prejudice and promoting acceptance.
In what ways does chronic exposure to discrimination affect stress responses, emotional regulation, and psychological well-being in LGBT individuals?
The research has shown that LGBT individuals who have been exposed to chronic discrimination experience increased levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which can lead to a range of physical health problems (e. g. , cardiovascular disease). Furthermore, chronic discrimination has been associated with negative impacts on mental health outcomes like anxiety and depression, potentially exacerbating these physical effects.