The psychological impact of sustained isolation or rejection from society can be significant for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) teenagers who face stigma and discrimination due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Studies show that these adolescents are more likely than heterosexual peers to experience depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, substance abuse, and poor physical health outcomes.
This paper will focus on the particular effects that arise from exposure to moral exclusion or societal invalidation, including feelings of shame, reduced self-esteem, increased risk of victimization, and difficulty trusting others.
Shame
Exposure to social rejection can lead LGBTQ youth to internalize negative messages about their identities and personal worth. They may feel ashamed of their desires and behaviors, leading them to hide their sexuality and/or question themselves deeply. This can cause emotional distress and interfere with their ability to form meaningful relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners. When they are rejected by the people around them, it reinforces the message that something is wrong with them as a person, which can lead to further feelings of guilt and low self-worth. These experiences often leave lasting scars on young adults' emotional wellbeing, even after the initial period of trauma has passed.
Self-Esteem
The sense of being an "outsider" due to one's sexual orientation or gender identity can be highly damaging to self-esteem. Youth who do not identify with dominant cultural norms may struggle to find their place in society and feel like they have nothing to offer. This can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and despair. It also prevents them from developing a positive sense of self, making it more difficult for them to form meaningful relationships and achieve success in school or work.
When LGBTQ adolescents experience discrimination or exclusion, they may blame themselves and doubt their own value and worth. This can undermine their confidence and make it harder for them to stand up for themselves against bullying or other forms of mistreatment.
Risk of Victimization
Sustained exposure to moral exclusion and societal invalidation increases the likelihood that LGBTQ youth will become victims of violence and abuse. They are more likely than heterosexual peers to face harassment at school, online, or in public places. This can include physical assaults, verbal attacks, cyberbullying, and sexual assault. Research suggests that these experiences can result in long-term mental health problems such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD. Moreover, some LGBTQ individuals may internalize this victimization and begin to see themselves as deserving of negative treatment, further eroding their self-esteem and sense of safety.
Difficulty Trusting Others
Prolonged exposure to societal invalidation can create deep mistrust of others, particularly those who hold dominant cultural norms and values. These young adults may have difficulty forming relationships with people outside their own communities, fearing rejection or betrayal by those who do not understand or support their identities. They may also avoid seeking help from professionals or authorities when needed, fearing judgment or misunderstanding. This distrust can limit their ability to access important resources and services, hindering their progress toward independence and success.
Sustained isolation or rejection due to one's sexual orientation or gender identity has profound psychological effects on LGBTQ teenagers. They may feel shame, doubt their self-worth, blame themselves for mistreatment, struggle with trust, and experience increased risk of victimization. It is essential for society to challenge homophobia, transphobia, and other forms of bigotry so that all youth can thrive and reach their full potential.
What psychological effects result from prolonged exposure to moral exclusion or societal invalidation in LGBT youth?
Prolonged exposure to moral exclusion or societal invalidation can lead to various psychological effects on LGBT youth, including increased risk of anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviors, and suicide attempts. These individuals may also experience feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, which can negatively impact their self-esteem and sense of belonging.