The Effects of Microaggressions on LGBT Adolescent Self-Esteem, Academic Achievement, and Identity Affirmation
Microaggression is defined as "a brief, subtle, and often unintentional form of discrimination," which occurs when one person's unconscious assumptions are conveyed to another individual through a statement, action, gesture, or facial expression that may be based on gender, race, ethnicity, religion, age, ability, sexual orientation, etc., creating a sense of marginalization and invalidation in the victimized person(s) (Sue et al., 2019). In this context, adolescents from the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) community can experience microaggressive behaviors such as derogatory language, verbal harassment, exclusion, and stereotyping, among others, due to their perceived nonconformity to societal norms regarding sex and sexuality. These experiences negatively impact adolescents' self-esteem, academic achievement, and identity affirmation.
Self-esteem refers to an individual's overall evaluation of their worthiness, competence, and value, while identity affirmation involves accepting and valuing oneself as a unique person with specific attributes and characteristics (Northwestern University, 2020). Accordingly, LGBT adolescents who endure frequent exposures to microaggressions at school may develop low self-esteem and negative identities, leading to mental health disorders, poor academic performance, and social isolation.
They may internalize the messages conveyed by teachers, peers, or family members about their sexual orientation being "unnatural," "sinful," or "abnormal" and develop feelings of shame, guilt, and self-blame, which reduce their confidence and motivation to succeed academically and socially. Consequently, LGBT adolescents may struggle to achieve high grades in class, avoid participating in group activities, or refrain from expressing themselves freely for fear of judgment or rejection. Moreover, these negative effects on self-esteem and identity affirmation make them vulnerable to bullying, harassment, and violence, further compounding the harm caused by microaggression.
Besides affecting self-esteem and identity affirmation, exposure to microaggressions also impedes LGBT adolescent academic achievement through a multitude of ways. Firstly, it can deteriorate their interest in learning, making them less motivated to attend school or complete assignments, resulting in lower test scores and reduced engagement. Secondly, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and stress, which can interfere with concentration, memory retention, and problem-solving abilities. Thirdly, it can create a hostile environment that discourages open communication and collaboration among students and educators, preventing creative thinking and innovation.
It can limit access to support services, such as counseling and tutoring, which are essential for success in the classroom. In short, exposure to microaggressions at school is detrimental to LGBT adolescents' overall well-being and academic performance, negatively impacting their ability to reach their full potential.
To address this issue, schools should implement policies that prohibit microaggressive behaviors and promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. They must train staff on recognizing and responding appropriately to microaggressions, foster an inclusive culture, provide resources and support services for LGBT adolescents, and enforce disciplinary actions against perpetrators of microaggressions.
Parents and caregivers need to become involved by discussing these issues with teachers, administrators, and community leaders to advocate for safe and affirming environments for all students, including those from marginalized groups. By taking these measures, schools can create positive environments where LGBT adolescents feel valued, respected, and supported, ultimately promoting self-esteem, identity affirmation, and academic achievement.
How does exposure to microaggressions in school settings affect self-esteem, academic achievement, and identity affirmation among LGBT adolescents?
The exposure to microaggressions in school settings can have negative effects on self-esteem, academic performance, and identity affirmation of LGBT adolescents. Microaggressions are everyday verbal, nonverbal, or environmental slights that communicate hostile, derogatory, or negative messages towards certain groups based on their social identities (Sue et al. , 2007).