Discrimination is defined as the prejudice against a person based on their characteristics such as gender, race, age, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, etc., while microaggressions refer to subtle but offensive comments and actions that reinforce stereotypes about certain groups of people. Discrimination can be blatant and direct, which may make it easier for individuals to identify and address, whereas microaggressions are often more difficult to recognize and deal with because they appear less obvious. LGBT students experience both forms of discrimination, including microaggressions, in schools, which have psychological effects on them. This essay will discuss the psychological impacts of discrimination and microaggressions on LGBT students in educational settings.
Impact of Microaggression on LGBT Students' Mental Health
Microaggressions can have severe consequences for the mental health of LGBT students, leading to feelings of depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, stress, and isolation. According to research conducted by Bivens et al. (2018), LGBT students who experienced higher levels of microaggressions reported feeling depressed than those who did not face such aggression. They also reported lower self-esteem and higher anxiety.
The study found that LGBT students who had experienced microaggressions were more likely to report thoughts of suicide.
The study revealed that LGBT students felt isolated when facing microaggressions in school, which further worsened their mental health outcomes.
Effects of Discrimination on LGBT Students' Academic Performance
Discrimination against LGBT students in schools affects their academic performance negatively. According to a study conducted by Russell et al. (2019), LGBT students who faced frequent discrimination from teachers or peers performed worse academically than their non-discriminated counterparts. The study concluded that discrimination leads to decreased motivation, concentration, and effort towards learning among LGBT students, ultimately resulting in lower academic achievement.
Discrimination and microaggressions negatively impact the psychological well-being of LGBT students in schools. Microaggressions result in increased feelings of depression, anxiety, stress, and isolation while discrimination leads to reduced academic performance. As educators and policymakers, we must create safe and inclusive environments for all students regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. We can do this by creating policies that prohibit discrimination and providing support services to LGBT students affected by microaggressions.
It is essential to raise awareness about these issues to promote understanding and empathy towards LGBT students in educational settings.
What are the psychological effects of microaggressions and discrimination in schools on LGBT students?
Microaggressions and discrimination can have significant psychological effects on LGBT students in schools. Research has shown that these experiences can lead to increased feelings of marginalization, isolation, and low self-esteem, as well as decreased academic achievement and mental health outcomes (e. g. , depression, anxiety). Additionally, experiencing discrimination can contribute to stress and trauma for LGBT youth, which may further impact their social and academic functioning.