Research shows that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) individuals experience unique challenges when they join the military due to their identity. These challenges often lead them to suffer from anxiety, depression, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among other mental health issues. As a result, they may also have poor work performance, low levels of motivation, and increased absenteeism. This article will explore how perceptions of discrimination within a unit influence relational satisfaction and psychological health for LGBT personnel.
Perceived Discrimination
The Military Equal Opportunity Survey (MEO) is an anonymous survey conducted every three years to assess the prevalence of racism and sexism in the military. It includes questions related to sexual orientation discrimination and harassment. The MEO reports that 42% of LGBT service members experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation in the past year, and 61% of LGBT service members believe that sexual orientation discrimination has not been adequately addressed by commanders or leaders.
Psychological Health
Discriminatory behavior can take many forms, including verbal abuse, physical violence, exclusion, and ridicule. This can create a hostile environment that negatively impacts LGBT personnel's psychological health. They may feel isolated, powerless, and unsafe. They may also develop negative attitudes toward themselves, others, and society. This can lead to feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and helplessness, which are associated with depression and anxiety.
Relational Satisfaction
Relationships are crucial for personal growth and well-being. When individuals feel accepted and valued, they experience positive emotions, such as joy, contentment, and happiness.
When they feel rejected and unsupported, they may withdraw from social interactions and isolate themselves. Research shows that perceived discrimination within units can damage relationships among LGBT personnel, leading to reduced relational satisfaction.
LGBT personnel face unique challenges due to their identity, and perceived discrimination within a unit can worsen these issues. Perceived discrimination affects psychological health by creating a hostile environment that leads to negative self-perceptions and isolation.
It reduces relational satisfaction, resulting in decreased engagement with colleagues and increased absenteeism. Thus, addressing sexual orientation discrimination is essential to promoting the mental health of LGBT service members.
How do perceptions of discrimination within a unit influence the relational satisfaction and psychological health of LGBT personnel?
Perceptions of discrimination have been linked to poorer mental health outcomes among LGBT individuals. According to research, feelings of isolation and exclusion can lead to heightened levels of stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative effects on wellbeing (e. g. , Williams et al. , 2017).