There has been increased attention given to issues related to stigma surrounding sexual orientation and gender identity. Stigma refers to prejudice and discrimination against individuals who are different from societal norms based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, or both. Research suggests that internalizing stigma, or believing negative stereotypes about oneself, can lead to negative psychological consequences such as identity conflict, mental health challenges, and social withdrawal among LGBTQ individuals. In this article, I will discuss how these effects manifest and what interventions have empirical support to address them.
Research has found that internalized stigma is associated with decreased self-esteem, depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and other mental health challenges among LGBTQ individuals (Meyer et al., 2008; Rendina & Pachankis, 2014). This may be due to feelings of shame, guilt, and inadequacy resulting from internalization of negative messages about one's sexuality or gender identity. Identity conflict, where an individual experiences a discrepancy between their own self-concept and society's expectations of them, is also commonly reported by LGBTQ individuals (Ryan, Huebner, Diaz, & Sanchez, 2009). This can lead to confusion, distress, and difficulty forming a coherent sense of self, which can further exacerbate the impact of stigma. Social withdrawal, or avoiding interactions with others out of fear of rejection or discrimination, is another common consequence of internalized stigma (Brown, 2003). This can contribute to isolation and loneliness, which are risk factors for poor mental health.
Interventions that have been shown to reduce internalized stigma and its consequences include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based interventions, and social support groups. CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors related to stigma and addressing underlying beliefs about oneself and others. Mindfulness-based interventions involve training participants to increase awareness of thoughts and emotions without judgment, promoting greater acceptance and compassion towards oneself. Social support groups provide a safe space for LGBTQ individuals to connect with others who share similar experiences and receive validation and validation. Research suggests that these types of interventions may help to decrease internalized stigma, improve self-esteem, and reduce depression and anxiety among LGBTQ individuals (Clements et al., 2017; Mohr, Gorbach, & Ehlers, 2018).
Internalized stigma among LGBTQ individuals manifests in identity conflict, mental health challenges, and social withdrawal. Interventions such as CBT, mindfulness-based interventions, and social support groups have empirical support to address these effects. It is important for clinicians and researchers to continue to explore effective strategies for reducing the impact of stigma on the wellbeing of LGBTQ individuals.