Internalized stigma refers to the process whereby an individual who experiences prejudice and discrimination based on their social identity comes to believe that they are inferior, unworthy, and deserving of mistreatment. This can have profound implications for one's emotional well-being, self-esteem, and interpersonal relationships. One particular area of interest within this context is the ability to form healthy and secure attachments in romantic partnerships.
Attachment theory posits that humans have an innate need to connect with others, and that these connections provide safety, security, and comfort. Secure attachment styles characterize individuals who feel safe and comfortable in close relationships, while insecure attachment styles describe those who struggle to establish such bonds due to fears of rejection, abandonment, or other negative outcomes. It has been suggested that internalized stigma may be linked to insecure attachment patterns, as individuals who experience prejudice and marginalization may come to view themselves as less worthy of love and support from others.
Research has found that people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another sexual minority group may be more likely to report experiencing internalized stigma than their heterosexual counterparts.
A study of LGBTQ+ individuals found that higher levels of internalized homophobia were associated with greater avoidance of intimacy, lower satisfaction in current relationships, and increased likelihood of infidelity. Similarly, a review of research on internalized racism among Black Americans found that it was associated with reduced relationship quality and stability.
Studies have shown that internalized stigma can negatively impact the quality of romantic relationships by increasing conflict, decreasing communication, and decreasing trust between partners. This may occur because individuals who internalize societal prejudices may become hypervigilant for cues of rejection, perceive slights or disagreements as threats to the relationship, and engage in self-protective behaviors such as stonewalling or withdrawal. In turn, these dynamics may contribute to increased distress and relational difficulties within the context of an existing relationship.
Research suggests that internalized stigma is strongly related to the ability to form emotionally secure attachments in romantic partnerships. Individuals who have experienced prejudice and discrimination based on their social identity may struggle with feelings of unworthiness and self-doubt, which can make them less confident in their abilities to establish healthy and meaningful connections with others.
Internalized stigma may contribute to negative relationship outcomes through increased conflict and diminished trust. These findings highlight the importance of fostering a sense of belonging, acceptance, and support among all members of society, regardless of their identity, in order to promote positive mental health and interpersonal well-being.
What is the relationship between internalized stigma and the ability to form emotionally secure attachments in romantic partnerships?
Internalized stigma refers to an individual's belief that they are undeserving of love and support due to their social status, appearance, behavior, or identity (Fox et al. , 2018). It may arise from various experiences such as trauma, discrimination, rejection, and bullying.