Peer Approval and LGBT Adolescent Identity Resilience
The concept of identity is a central component of human existence. It shapes who we are, how others see us, and how we interact with the world around us. For adolescents, especially those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT), identity can be a source of stress and anxiety due to societal pressures and prejudices that challenge their sense of self-worth and belonging.
Peer approval can play an important role in shaping adolescent identities, and it may have a particularly significant impact on LGBT youth's resilience when facing challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In this essay, I will explore how peer approval contributes to the internalization of self-worth and identity resilience in LGBT adolescents.
Peer Approval and Self-Worth
Adolescence is a critical time for identity formation, and teens often seek validation from their peers to gain social acceptance and belonging. According to developmental psychology theory, individuals develop their sense of self through interactions with others, including family members, teachers, and friends. These relationships provide feedback about one's behavior, appearance, and personality traits, which can either affirm or contradict the individual's view of themselves. This process of receiving positive feedback from others helps individuals form a healthy sense of self-esteem and self-efficacy.
For LGBT adolescents, however, the process of forming a healthy sense of self-worth can be more complex. Research suggests that LGBT youth are at increased risk for poor mental health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality, compared to their heterosexual peers (Mahaffey et al., 2019). One possible explanation for these negative outcomes is that they experience discrimination and rejection due to their sexual orientation or gender identity (Russell & Fitzgerald, 2016). In addition, they may face pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations, leading them to suppress their true identities and present themselves as something other than who they truly are (Goldfried & Mash, 1983).
Peer approval can play an important role in shaping an adolescent's sense of self-worth. Teenagers who receive positive feedback from their peers tend to have higher levels of self-esteem and self-confidence (Erikson, 1959), while those who experience rejection or bullying may develop low self-esteem and feelings of shame and worthlessness (Rhodes, 2017). For LGBT adolescents, peer approval can provide a vital source of validation and acceptance, helping them feel accepted and valued by their peers despite societal pressures. Positive peer interactions can also help counteract negative experiences with family members or educators, providing a supportive environment where they can express themselves freely without fear of judgment or rejection (Crocker et al., 2018).
Peer Approval and Identity Resilience
In addition to impacting self-worth, peer approval can also contribute to identity resilience. Adolescence is marked by a period of exploration and experimentation, during which individuals begin to define their unique identities separate from their families and other influential figures (Chung et al., 2020). This process requires taking risks, trying new things, and being open to change, all of which can be challenging for LGBT youth navigating a hostile social climate.
Receiving positive feedback from peers can bolster the teenager's confidence in their identity and strengthen their resolve to embrace it fully.
Research suggests that LGBT adolescents who receive support from friends and family are more likely to have greater psychological wellbeing than those who do not (Savin-Williams & Joyner, 2003).
Studies show that feeling connected to one's community can improve mental health outcomes and increase life satisfaction (Murphy et al., 2019). Peer approval may play an important role in fostering these connections, as LGBT adolescents seek out communities where they feel accepted and supported (Baams et al., 2015).
Peer approval can also help LGBT adolescents develop a sense of resilience, or the ability to bounce back from negative experiences and cope with stress effectively (Crocker et al., 2018). When faced with adversity, such as bullying or discrimination, adolescents who feel supported and valued by their peers may be better equipped to handle difficult situations without resorting to unhealthy coping strategies like substance abuse or self-harm (Yip et al., 2020). By building strong relationships and a positive sense of self-worth through peer interactions, LGBT youth can develop the emotional resources needed to navigate challenges related to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
Peer approval can contribute significantly to the internalization of self-worth and identity resilience in LGBT adolescents. Receiving positive feedback from friends and family helps build confidence and strengthen identity, providing a source of support during times of struggle or difficulty. For some teens, this validation may come from within their own social circles, while others may need to seek out external sources of acceptance and support. Regardless, receiving consistent validation from peers can have a powerful impact on LGBT youth's mental health and wellbeing, helping them embrace their identities fully and thrive despite societal pressures.
How does peer approval contribute to the internalization of self-worth and identity resilience in LGBT adolescents?
Peer approval plays an important role in shaping the self-perception of LGBT teenagers. It contributes to the internalization of self-worth by helping them validate their identity, develop positive self-esteem, and build social support networks that can buffer against external pressures.