Building Resilience: Improving Mental Health Outcomes For LGBTQIA+ Individuals
The challenges and setbacks that individuals encounter often require youth development of resilience—an ability to adapt to the trials and adversities you experience. Resilience may allow you to work through and move past trying events like job loss, the death of a loved one, illness, or relationship conflict.
There are ways to strengthen your resilience through resilience training, and resilience can also be built during and after traumatic events as people seek strategies to adapt and thrive amid adversity. For many people in the LGBTQIA+ community, adversity may be a daily struggle. Understanding how to develop resilience when you experience identity-related oppression or other challenges can be valuable and increase your safety and contentment with life.
If you are experiencing trauma, support is available. Please see our Get Help Now page for more resources.
What is resilience?
The American Psychological Association defines resilience as “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences, especially through mental, emotional, and behavioral flexibility and adjustment to external and internal demands.” Studies have shown that high adolescent resilience can reduce the risk of mental health challenges.
Various factors can affect how well people can adapt to adversity. These protective factors can include how an individual sees the world, the quality of social and health resources around them, and their individual coping strategies. Many people experience challenging times in life, so the ability to adapt and persevere may be crucial, and research shows that resilience can be cultivated over time.
Resilience for LGBTQIA+ individuals
Resilience can benefit those in the LGBTQIA+ community, who often experience high levels of prejudice and unique stressors that can cause psychological distress and personal crises. They may face overt actions, including microaggressions, discrimination, or ostracization. In addition, they may often experience negative social attitudes that they have internalized, causing them to hide their identity or feel ashamed. These stressors can lead to chronic stress, physical conditions, and mental health problems without proper support. The American Psychological Association provides resources for promoting resiliency for gender-diverse and sexual minority school students.
According to the article, minority stress refers to the idea that the stigma toward LGBTQIA+ people brings about unique stressors, which can negatively affect adult and adolescent health. In coping with stress, both individual resilience and community resilience are vital.
What is minority stress?
The minority stress model created by Dr. Meyer asserts that minority stress stems from the clash between social and psychological theories about minority and dominant values and conflicts with the social environment experienced by individuals of a minority group. Because of this discordance, racial and ethnic minorities often experience conflict with society, which can lead to long-term negative outcomes. This conflict can look like harassment, maltreatment, victimization, and discrimination. It can also affect the availability of healthcare.
The minority stress model differs from general stress theory because a minority’s stress is impacted by their identity. It can also be further impacted by a person’s role in other minority groups, such as ethnic or racial groups. When a person has multiple identities contributing to their stress or challenges, their needs may fall under intersectionality, which is the cross between their unique minority stress factors for each identity and how they combine.
What is individual resilience?
Research has shown that resilience can be found on a personal level and within specific minority communities, like the LGBTQIA+ community. Individual resilience is found on a personal level. It refers to the thoughts and actions that help a person adapt to adversity. A person’s upbringing and personality traits can impact their resilience.
In his study, Meyer asserts that a focus on individual resilience is rooted in a Western ideology that prioritizes individualism and personal triumph. He asserts that expecting individual resilience can be unfair because opportunity structures are often uneven throughout society. Not everyone has the same social, economic, and political footing to be prepared to handle challenges successfully.
Meyer suggests that there is a danger that only focusing on individual resilience can result in survivor blaming by expecting everyone to be resilient no matter their resources or past experiences with culture. This focus could lead to issues in public policy by removing social responsibility to defend minority populations. In addition, an expectation that individuals should be resilient against adversity rather than trying to correct or remove the stressors causing harm could occur.
These concerns with individual resilience drive the concept of community resilience, which refers to how communities help each individual strengthen their ability to support their well-being through social connection. In community resilience, available public health systems are utilized to better the community’s behavioral, physical, and social health. The onus for resilience is also placed on public policies, structures, and social systems, rather than solely on individuals.
Why is community resilience beneficial for the LGBTQI+ community?
Community resilience often occurs through designing and implementing resources and policies that support the needs of those in a community. For the LGBTQIA+ population, this could include support groups for increased perceived social support, advocacy via a non-profit organization, support through community partners, and 24/7 hotlines. Although some of these resources can touch the lives of each person, some require individuals to take action to utilize them, such as physically going to an LGBTQIA+ community center to encourage resilience or connecting with a mentor.
Even when resources are available to build community resilience, other factors could prevent people from using them. If individuals don’t feel comfortable associating with the LGBTQIA+ community for stigma or other reasons, they may not have a way into the assets that build community resilience.
Building your resilience
With time and practice, you may be able to strengthen resilience. To start, consider trying the below techniques to try to become better prepared for emotionally challenging events that lie ahead.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness meditation can allow an individual to focus their thoughts on the present directly. Some research has found that mindfulness may help to breed resilience. If you are new to meditation, you may find it helpful to try a guided mindfulness meditation using resources available for free online.
Cultivate forgiveness
Studies have found a connection between forgiveness and resilience. Forgiveness can be a choice to release resentment and anger so that those feelings don’t control your life. Forgiveness does not necessarily mean that you are allowing or excusing a person’s actions if they have harmed you. It can mean you choose not to allow those actions to impact your joy and growth.
Write down and reframe your thoughts
Ruminating about an adverse event or experience can cause mental health challenges. This habit can make it challenging to move forward. To build resilience, consider spending 20 minutes a day writing about how you feel. Type it up in a document, record it in your phone notes, or write it down in a journal. Then, consider whether the experience ultimately prompted positive outcomes, including self-growth or a crucial lesson. Doing a practice like this may help you build resilience.
Seek professional support
Some situations can be challenging to navigate on your own. During especially strenuous times, it can help to lean on others for support. Support could look like reaching out to your family members or friends to discuss your feelings and finding validation through those conversations. It could also look like taking advantage of community resilience resources like support groups and specialized community centers.
Get support with online therapy
In addition, you may consider seeking help from a trained professional. Suppose you are navigating a challenging life event or situation. In that case, you may feel emotionally or physically drained, and the idea of finding and meeting with a therapist in person may feel exhausting. In these cases, online therapy could be beneficial, as you can match with and meet with a licensed therapist wherever you have an internet connection—including your home. An online therapist through a platform like BetterHelp or PrideCounseling for the LGBTQIA+ community can work with you to build your resilience and be better prepared to work through stressors that arise, including significant and minor challenges.
In addition, research has shown that online therapy can effectively cultivate individuals’ resilience. For instance, one study examined the effect of internet-based cognitive behavioral counseling compared to face-to-face counseling on students’ resilience. It found that both forms of counseling significantly increased research participant’s resilience and that “there was no significant difference in the effectiveness of internet-based cognitive behavioral counseling and face-to-face therapy.”
Takeaway
What is the relationship between ethnicity and resilience?
Resilience is the ability of an individual to adapt and bounce back from stressful life events or situations. Research suggests that levels of stress are higher in ethnic minority populations as well as in communities experiencing poverty. The relationship between ethnicity and resilience is complex and multifaceted. While individuals from all ethnic backgrounds can demonstrate resilience, various factors can influence how resilience is expressed and experienced across different ethnic groups.
- Cultural Factors: Cultural beliefs, values, and practices can play a significant role in shaping individuals' resilience. Some ethnic communities may have strong social support systems, cohesive family structures, and coping mechanisms that foster resilience.
- Socioeconomic Status: Socioeconomic factors can influence getting resources and opportunities, impacting the ability to cope with adversity. Ethnic groups experiencing socioeconomic hardship may face additional stressors that can affect their resilience.
- Discrimination and Minority Stress: Ethnic minority families and individuals may face significant adversity including racial discrimination and minority stress, which can impact their mental health and resilience. Coping with systemic discrimination and prejudice can be challenging and may influence resilience levels.
- Acculturation and Identity: Immigrant populations may navigate the process of acculturation and managing multiple identities, which can affect resilience. Balancing traditional cultural values with those of mainstream society can create unique challenges. This may be especially impactful for immigrant youth.
- Historical and Intergenerational Trauma: Some ethnic minorities may have experienced historical or intergenerational trauma, impacting their resilience in coping with the consequences of past events.
It's essential to avoid making sweeping generalizations about the resilience of specific ethnic groups as individuals' experiences and resilience are highly diverse and context-dependent. Understanding and respecting the unique cultural and contextual factors that influence resilience among different ethnic communities are crucial for promoting mental health and well-being effectively.
What is black resilience?
Black resilience refers to the strength, endurance, and ability of Black or African American individuals and communities to persevere and thrive in the face of adversity, systemic challenges, and historical traumas. Black resilience is rooted in a rich history of resistance, resilience, and survival in the face of personally mediated, internalized, and structural racism.
Throughout history, Black communities have demonstrated incredible resilience, withstanding centuries of oppression, slavery, segregation, and other forms of racial discrimination. Despite facing systemic barriers and inequalities, Black individuals and communities have continued to contribute to society, create vibrant cultures, and advocate for social change.
What are the struggles of minority groups?
Minority groups often face various struggles and challenges due to systemic discrimination, prejudice, and historical disadvantages. Some common struggles experienced by minority groups include:
- Discrimination and Racism: Minority families and individuals may encounter discrimination and racism in various aspects of life, such as education, employment, housing, and law enforcement.
- Socioeconomic Inequality: Minority communities may experience higher poverty rates and limited availability of quality education, healthcare, and economic opportunities compared to the majority population.
- Health Disparities: Health statistics show that racial and ethnic disparities commonly occur in access to healthcare, healthcare quality, health outcomes, and even life expectancy. Minority groups often face higher rates of certain health conditions and may have limited opportunities for healthcare resources and culturally competent care. It’s important to remember that poor health outcomes result from the experience of minority stress and structural racism, rather than innate difference, as there is no genetic basis of race (race is a social construct).
- Stereotyping and Bias: Minority individuals may be subjected to harmful stereotypes and biases, affecting their self-esteem, opportunities, and interactions with others.
- Language and Cultural Barriers: Language and cultural barriers can hinder opportunities for services, education, and employment opportunities for individuals and ethnic minority groups who are not fluent in the dominant language or customs.
- Legal and Political Disenfranchisement: Minority communities may face barriers to political representation and encounter challenges in acquiring legal safeguarding and justice.
- Hate Crimes and Violence: Minority groups may be more vulnerable to hate crimes and targeted violence based on their identities.
- Cultural Assimilation and Identity Struggles: Individuals of minority groups may struggle to preserve their cultural or ethnic identity while navigating the dominant culture and expectations. This is especially true for minority youth and ethnic minority children in the school system.
- Lack of Representation: Minority groups may be underrepresented in various fields, such as media, politics, and corporate leadership, leading to limited role models and opportunities for advancement.
- Marginalization and Exclusion: Minority communities may experience social exclusion, marginalization, and microaggressions, making it difficult to fully participate in society and acquire resources.
- Intersectional Challenges: Minority individuals who belong to multiple marginalized groups may face intersectional challenges that compound the effects of discrimination and disadvantages.
Addressing these struggles requires comprehensive efforts to combat systemic discrimination, promote diversity and inclusion, and ensure equal opportunities and resources for all individuals and communities
How does diversity affect resilience?
High levels of diversity in a community may improve resilience and improve overall community health. Studies show that when individuals interact with people from different ethnic, socioeconomic, or cultural groups they may gain new perspectives which may provide flexibility in building resilience to a number of risk factors and stressful situations. This increases the level of social support and opportunities for community resources from diverse populations of people and provides coping strategies that may not occur naturally within a single community.
What role does diversity play in resilience?
Diversity plays a crucial role in resilience, contributing to individuals' and communities' ability to cope and thrive in the face of challenges. Some ways that diversity may impact resilience include building empathy, increasing diverse perspectives, building social support networks, developing a number of coping strategies, increasing flexibility and adaptability, and creating united community resilience.
However, it is crucial to recognize that diversity alone does not guarantee resilience. The benefits of diversity in resilience are more pronounced when diverse individuals and communities have equal acquisition to resources, opportunities, and support. Inclusive environments that celebrate diversity and promote equity are essential for harnessing the full potential of diversity in building resilience.
Is there a dark side to resilience?
The concept of resilience is generally associated with positive attributes, such as the ability to bounce back from adversity and thrive in challenging situations. However, there is also a darker side of resilience that can have potential drawbacks or negative implications. In some cases, resilience processes include undergoing stressful situations or overcoming adverse childhood events. While the end product could be a resilient adult, it is also possible that these events could negatively impact child development and cause mental health concerns later in life.
Resilience in minority populations may not always be beneficial. According to resilience theory, a theory in the field of behavioral sciences that studied minority youth populations, particularly focusing on African American adolescents, resilience is built from overcoming obstacles and should be seen as a positive attribute. However, the pathway for minority children and adults alike to build resilience in this way may lead to long-term negative mental health impacts, including internalizing negativity and building an unhealthy relationship with resilience and perseverance.
In addition to the above, individuals with high resilience may also suppress emotions, carry heavy burdens alone, disregard self-care, avoid seeking help, and have unrealistic expectations. These factors may put an individual at increased risk of burnout and may increase stress, anxiety, suicidal ideation in the long run.
What are 3 factors affecting minority influence?
Minority influence refers to the process by which the beliefs or behaviors of a small group (the minority) influence the larger group (the majority). Several factors can influence the effectiveness of minority influence. Here are three key factors:
- Consistency: Consistency refers to the degree to which the minority group presents a consistent message over time. When the minority consistently expresses their viewpoint, it can increase the perceived credibility and sincerity of their position. Consistency can attract attention from the majority and make them more likely to consider the minority's perspective seriously.
- Commitment: The level of commitment displayed by the minority group can impact their influence. If persons in the minority demonstrate dedication and persistence in advocating for their beliefs, they are more likely to be seen as principled and committed. This commitment can be seen as a sign of the importance and validity of their views, making the majority more receptive to the minority's ideas.
- Flexibility and Compromise: While consistency and commitment are essential, a certain degree of flexibility and willingness to compromise is also crucial for minority influence. When the minority group shows openness to consider the majority's perspectives and engage in constructive dialogue, it can enhance the chances of their ideas being accepted by the majority.
Why are diverse populations more resilient?
Diverse populations may be more resilient due to a number of key factors including:
- Broad perspectives and problem-solving
- Strong support networks
- Added coping strategies for adversity
- Flexibility and adaptability
- Cultural resilience and assets
- Increased empathy and understanding
It is essential to recognize that diversity alone does not guarantee resilience. Creating an inclusive and equitable environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive is vital for harnessing the potential benefits of diversity in building resilience during adolescent development.
What is the difference between resilience and diversity?
Resilience and diversity are two distinct concepts that are related but have different meanings and implications. Resilience refers to the ability of individuals or communities to bounce back, adapt, and thrive in the face of adversity, challenges, or significant life changes. It is the capacity to withstand and recover from difficult or traumatic experiences, such as stress, loss, or trauma, and continue to have positive feelings and function effectively. Resilience is often seen as a personal or united strength that allows individuals or communities to maintain their well-being and recover from setbacks. It involves coping skills, social support, problem-solving abilities, and the ability to adapt to change and uncertainty.
Diversity, on the other hand, refers to the variety of differences and unique characteristics among individuals or groups within a community or society. It encompasses differences in race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, abilities, socioeconomic status, and other individual attributes. Diversity is about recognizing and valuing these differences, promoting inclusion, and creating an environment that respects and celebrates the unique perspectives and contributions of each individual. Embracing diversity can lead to a broader range of viewpoints, experiences, and talents, which can enrich communities, workplaces, and societies as a whole.
How does diversity bring strength?
Diversity brings strength in various ways, enriching individuals, organizations, and societies as a whole. Some of the ways that diversity may bring strength include enhancing creativity, broadening perspectives, improving problem-solving, increasing resilience, improving cultural awareness, better decision-making, and building communities.
- Previous Article
- Next Article