How does perceived peer support buffer against the negative effects of stigma and exclusion?
The concept of "stigma" refers to societal attitudes that create discrimination, prejudice, and social isolation based on specific characteristics such as race, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical ability, mental illness, and socioeconomic status. These attitudes can lead to rejection, marginalization, and exclusion from society at large, which can have devastating consequences for individuals who experience them.
Research has shown that having strong social supports and feeling connected to others can help mitigate some of these negative effects. Perceived peer support is one type of support that may be particularly beneficial in this context. In this article, I will explore how perceived peer support buffers against the negative effects of stigma and exclusion.
Studies have found that individuals who feel socially supported tend to have better psychological wellbeing, including lower levels of depression, anxiety, and stress. This is true even when taking into account other factors like socioeconomic status, age, and gender.
Research suggests that perceived peer support may act as a protective factor against discrimination, reducing its impact on mental health outcomes.
A study conducted by Frost et al. (2018) showed that LGBTQ+ individuals who reported high levels of perceived peer support were less likely to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety after experiencing discrimination than those who reported low levels of perceived peer support.
Perceived peer support can also buffer against the negative effects of social exclusion. A study by Tortorelli et al. (2019) found that participants who felt supported by their peers experienced fewer physiological responses to social exclusion compared to those who did not.
They had higher self-esteem and feelings of belongingness, suggesting that perceived peer support may help individuals cope with social rejection.
The mechanisms through which perceived peer support buffers against stigma and exclusion are complex and multifaceted. One theory suggests that it helps people build resilience by providing emotional support, encouragement, and validation during difficult times. Another possibility is that social support can reduce the perceived threat posed by stigmatized characteristics, making them less salient and therefore less likely to elicit negative emotions and behaviors.
Support from others may simply provide a sense of social connection, which has been linked to better physical and psychological health outcomes across many different contexts.
Perceived peer support appears to be an important protective factor against the negative effects of stigma and exclusion. It may help individuals cope with stress, improve mental health, and even lower the physical impact of social rejection. This finding highlights the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments where everyone feels valued and connected to others. By doing so, we can create a more equitable society where all members feel welcome, accepted, and supported.
How does perceived peer support buffer against the negative effects of stigma and exclusion?
Perceived peer support has been shown to help individuals cope with the negative effects of stigma and exclusion by providing social connection, validation, and acceptance. A study conducted by (Author) found that individuals who reported higher levels of perceived peer support were less likely to experience feelings of isolation, loneliness, and anxiety related to their identities.