Internalized Stigma
Internalized stigma is when an individual believes that society holds negative stereotypes about their group, resulting in feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. This can lead to low self-esteem, social isolation, and difficulty forming meaningful connections with others. Studies have shown that internalized stigma negatively impacts mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It also increases the risk of physical health problems like heart disease and diabetes. In addition, it may affect academic performance, employment opportunities, financial stability, and personal relationships.
Self-Efficacy
Self-efficacy refers to one's belief in their ability to achieve goals and perform tasks successfully. When individuals experience internalized stigma, they often doubt their own capabilities and feel powerless to change their situation. This can result in low motivation, procrastination, and avoidance behaviors. Research has found that internalized stigma predicts lower levels of self-efficacy for various activities related to work, school, or interpersonal interactions.
Those who internalize homophobia may struggle with job advancement due to a lack of confidence in their skills and abilities.
Goal Pursuit
Goal pursuit involves setting and working towards attainable objectives. Individuals with high self-efficacy tend to be more likely to set and accomplish challenging goals. Conversely, those with low self-efficacy are less likely to pursue difficult tasks and give up easily when faced with obstacles. Internalized stigma can undermine goal pursuit by creating negative expectations about one's potential for success. It can lead to avoidance behaviors where individuals shy away from taking risks or trying new things, which limits their growth and development.
Relational Satisfaction
Relational satisfaction is how satisfied someone feels in their romantic or platonic relationships. Studies have shown that internalized stigma can damage relational satisfaction by making it harder for people to communicate openly and honestly with partners. They may feel ashamed or embarrassed about their identity, leading to secrecy and dishonesty. This can harm the trust and intimacy necessary for healthy relationships.
Those experiencing internalized stigma may find it difficult to form meaningful connections with others due to feelings of isolation and loneliness.