Learning objectives

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

  • Understand what minority stress is.
  • Explain the important parts of the minority stress framework.
  • Understand how minority stress is connected to mental health.

Why this matters

Minority stress affects mental health and well-being over time:

  • It is linked to higher risks of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
  • Understanding minority stress helps explain health disparities and challenges among minority groups.
  • Recognizing it can lead to better mental health care and policy changes.
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What is minority stress?

Minority stress is the additional stress experienced by people with minority identities because of stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion.1 2 3 It is:

  • Unique: This stress is different from everyday stress because it comes from prejudice and unfair treatment.
  • Chronic: It lasts a long time because society changes slowly.
  • Uncontrollable: People cannot fully control this stress because it comes from how others treat them.

Components of minority stress

  • Identity stress: Stress that comes from being part of a minority group that faces unfair treatment.
  • Extra stress: Added stress on top of the everyday challenges people face.
  • Social stress: Stress caused by unfair social rules, systems, and institutions.
  • Stress from unfair treatment: Stress from prejudice, discrimination, and microaggressions, which can harm both mental and physical health.
  • Impact on mental health: Minority stress can increase the risk of mental health struggles.

Mental health effects of minority stress

Studies show that minority stress can lead to mental health problems, such as:3

  • Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Mood disorders (like depression and bipolar disorder)
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Substance use problems
  • Body image issues
  • Eating disorders
  • Thoughts of suicide or suicide attempts

Minority identity, minority status, and stress

Minority status and minority identity are related but different ideas.

  • Status refers to a social group a person is born into or chooses to be part of.
  • Identity is how a person sees themselves as part of a minority group.

Stress can come from both external and internal sources.

  • External stressors are things like being treated unfairly, facing discrimination, or experiencing violence due to minority status.
  • Internal stressors are things like feeling anxious or expecting rejection because of minority identity.4

Test your understanding

Minority stress only comes from external factors like discrimination:
Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of minority stress?
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