The purpose of this article is to explore the psychological and emotional impact of living a dual life due to societal stigmas or threats. It will focus on the concept of concealing one's true self from others and its consequences for mental wellbeing.
Let us examine what it means to live a dual life. This term refers to leading a double existence wherein an individual presents themselves differently in different social settings.
Someone may be open about their queerness at home but closeted at work because they fear discrimination or harassment. Similarly, they might identify as kinky in private while presenting as vanilla in public due to fear of judgment or rejection. The reasons behind such behavior are varied and complex, but often involve concerns around safety, acceptance, and belonging.
Living a dual life can have significant effects on cognitive functioning and mood. Individuals who conceal aspects of their identity may experience heightened levels of anxiety and depression, as they constantly feel the need to monitor their behavior and maintain secrecy. They may also struggle with feelings of guilt, shame, and isolation, which can impact their sense of self-worth and relationships with others.
Having to keep parts of oneself hidden can lead to a loss of authenticity and can erode trust in interpersonal interactions.
Individuals living a dual life may exhibit symptoms of dissociative disorders such as depersonalization or derealization. These conditions refer to the feeling that one is observing oneself from outside their body or experiencing the world through a lens, respectively. It's believed that this occurs when individuals try to split off unwanted parts of themselves into separate mental compartments for extended periods of time, leading to a breakdown between consciousness and reality.
The decision to live a dual life is rarely made lightly, and it has far-reaching implications for an individual's psychological wellbeing. While it may seem like an effective way to protect oneself from societal judgement or danger, it comes at a high cost. By understanding the emotional and cognitive consequences of dual lives, we can begin to create more inclusive and supportive communities where all people can be their true selves without fear of repercussions.
What are the cognitive and emotional effects of maintaining a hidden identity or double life due to stigma or social threat?
The cognitive and emotional effects of maintaining a hidden identity or double life can be detrimental as it requires significant mental effort to keep up with multiple personas and stories. People may feel anxious, stressed, and overwhelmed by the need to conceal their true selves from others. This can lead to feelings of isolation, depression, and even paranoia.