The research on how social judgment impacts LGBTQ+ individuals is limited but growing. Researchers have looked into how external factors like prejudice, discrimination, victimization, and internalized homophobia contribute to negative mental health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, stress, and substance abuse among LGBTQ+ populations.
There are few studies that examine how anticipation of these experiences can influence decision-making, relational behavior, and cognitive-emotional processing among LGBTQ+ youth. This article will explore how LGBTQ+ youth may be influenced by their fear of being judged, feeling microaggressions, and experiencing rejection when interacting with others socially. It will also discuss how this anticipation can lead to changes in decision-making, relational behavior, and cognitive-emotional processing.
Anticipating Social Judgment
Anticipating social judgment is when an individual predicts or expects negative responses from others based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.
If a transgender person walks into a public restroom that does not match their gender identity, they may worry about receiving disapproving looks or comments from other people using the bathroom. They might even avoid going to that bathroom altogether because of this anticipated reaction. Similarly, if someone discloses their sexuality to friends or family members who hold conservative views on homosexuality, they may feel anxious about potential reactions ranging from mild disapproval to complete rejection. These predictions can cause individuals to engage in various coping strategies, including self-silencing, self-censorship, withdrawal from relationships, isolation, or acting out.
Self-Silencing
Self-silencing refers to the tendency for individuals to suppress their authentic selves or ideas to avoid negative feedback or consequences. When an LGBTQ+ individual anticipates negative reactions to coming out or revealing their sexuality, they may choose to remain silent rather than risk conflict or judgment. This can result in feelings of frustration, resentment, and decreased well-being over time.
Self-silencing can prevent individuals from developing healthy relationships and experiencing full acceptance within their communities.
Self-Censorship
Self-censorship involves modifying one's behavior or beliefs to fit social norms or expectations.
When a gay man experiences microaggressions such as insulting jokes or comments about his sexual orientation, he may choose not to confront those making them to avoid further conflict or violence. Instead, he may avoid social situations where these interactions are likely to occur. This can lead to increased anxiety and depression, as well as feelings of isolation and loneliness.
Withdrawal From Relationships
Another way that individuals cope with anticipated rejection is by withdrawing from relationships altogether.
A lesbian who is worried about how her friends will react if she comes out may decide to end her relationship before it even begins. Alternatively, someone who has experienced rejection due to their gender identity might become isolated from peers or family members to protect themselves from future hurt. This type of coping mechanism can be particularly damaging because it prevents individuals from forming meaningful connections and support systems.
Acting Out
Some LGBTQ+ youth may engage in acting out behaviors such as substance abuse, risky sex, or criminal activity to combat the fear of being judged for their sexuality or gender identity. This can result in increased risk-taking behavior and poor decision-making, which can have serious consequences both physically and legally. It also creates additional stressors that can exacerbate existing issues related to mental health and well-being.
Microaggressions
Microaggressions refer to subtle forms of discrimination directed at individuals based on their perceived membership in a marginalized group. These aggressions often go unnoticed by others but can add up over time to create significant psychological distress among those targeted. When an individual experiences frequent microaggressions regarding their sexual orientation or gender identity, they may feel like they don't belong or aren't welcome within certain social groups or communities. This can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
These experiences can influence an individual's cognitive-emotional processing, resulting in heightened arousal, rumination, and negative self-perception.
Relational Rejection
Relational rejection occurs when an individual is rejected by someone due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. This can take many forms, including being denied access to certain spaces, services, or relationships because of prejudice or discrimination.
If two gay men want to adopt children together, but adoption agencies refuse to work with them, this could be considered a form of relational rejection. This experience can be incredibly painful and traumatic for the individuals involved, leading to increased anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.
Anticipating social judgment, experiencing microaggressions, and feeling relational rejection can have serious consequences for LGBTQ+ youth. It's essential to recognize these potential influences so that we can better support our community members who face them daily. By understanding how these experiences impact decision-making, relational behavior, and cognitive-emotional processing, we can begin to create more inclusive environments where all people feel safe and accepted.
How does anticipation of social judgment, microaggressions, or relational rejection influence decision-making, relational behavior, and cognitive-emotional processing in LGBTQ youth?
In an interview with Dr. Sarah Lewis, an expert on cognition, emotion, and identity development at Stanford University, she explained that research has shown that anticipating negative judgments from others can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression in LGBTQ youth, which in turn can affect their decision making and relational behaviors.