Exploring the psychological and physiological impacts of digital microaggressions and hostile online climates on LGBTQ+ youth
IcInroy, L. B., Beer, O. W., Scheadler, T. R., Craig, S. L., & Eaton, A. D. (2023). Exploring the psychological and physiological impacts of digital microaggressions and hostile online climates on LGBTQ+ youth. Current Psychology, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-023-04435-1
Highlights
Background
Youth who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community experience online peer victimization at a larger rate than heterosexual youths, creating negative long-term effects on their psychological and physiological health
There is a limited amount of data on LGBTQ+ youths’ experiences in dealing with digital microaggressions
Study Description
The Transactional Model of Stress and Coping was employed by researchers to provide a framework for dealing with stress-inducing stimuli, stressor appraisal, coping strategies, and outcomes (n = 1179; aged 14-24)
Digital vignettes were used to show anti-LGBTQ+ microaggressions where, after viewing, participants answered how the posts made them feel mentally, emotionally, physically, and as an LGBTQ+ person
A cross-sectional approach was used to analyze the data and three coders independently analyzed the responses
Key Findings
Participants cognitive responses to microaggressions included externalizing negative responses towards others, internalizing negative appraisals about themselves, or coping through avoidance
Emotional responses from participants included protective coping through positive emotions such as pride and improved sense of self after viewing microaggression
Microaggressions can result in long-term physiological difficulties including self-harm and social withdrawal
Conclusion
· The connection between microaggressions and its impact on psychophysiological health exists in online environments and is prevalent among LGBTQ+ youths
· Making the consequences of anti-LGBTQ+ microaggressions more salient can help to combat it
