Peer Validation is defined as "the process of seeking out and accepting feedback from peers to determine if one's actions are acceptable within a given group." This term can be applied to all kinds of social groups, including those that identify themselves as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT), and their respective military branches. In this context, it refers specifically to how members of the LGBT community seek validation for their relational behaviors from each other instead of from society at large.
A soldier who identifies as transgender may feel more confident when they are validated by another transgender soldier than by someone outside of their group. Similarly, a gay soldier may rely on validation from other gay soldiers before opening up about their romantic feelings towards a fellow serviceman. The effectiveness of peer validation varies based on factors such as level of acceptance within the group, number of people providing validation, type of behavior being validated, and individual personality traits.
Peer validation has been shown to have positive effects on LGBT soldiers' coping strategies in terms of increasing self-confidence and reducing anxiety. According to a study conducted by the US Department of Defense, "peer validation was found to predict lower levels of depression and increased levels of well-being among sexual minorities" compared to non-peer validation or no validation at all.
There are also negative effects associated with relying too heavily on peer validation.
If an individual only seeks validation from one or two close friends within their group rather than engaging with others, they may become overly reliant on them and lose perspective on what is healthy and unhealthy behavior.
If someone receives excessive criticism from peers or does not receive any support at all, they may feel discouraged from seeking out alternative sources of validation that could be beneficial. In this way, peer validation can serve both as a source of strength and vulnerability for LGBT soldiers depending on how it is used.
In terms of relational confidence, peer validation plays a crucial role in helping individuals establish trust and intimacy with potential partners. If two soldiers identify themselves as homosexual and seek out each other for companionship and support, they will likely rely on each other for validation before venturing into more serious relationships. This allows them to build trust and understanding between each other without feeling pressured or judged by outside forces. It also gives them the opportunity to practice effective communication skills in a safe environment before entering into romantic entanglements with people who may not share their beliefs. On the other hand, if someone seeks out too much validation from just one person or uses it instead of seeking therapy or medical advice when needed, they could potentially damage their relationship by pushing away important information about themselves or their partner's needs.
While peer validation has many benefits for LGBT soldiers, it should be used responsibly so as not to cause harm or stifle growth.
How does peer validation affect relational confidence and coping strategies in LGBT soldiers?
Peer validation plays an important role in shaping one's self-esteem and perception of oneself as an individual. This can have far-reaching effects on one's confidence levels and overall outlook towards life. The same applies for members of the LGBT community, who often face social stigma and discrimination that may impact their mental health.