minority stress
the physiological and psychological effects associated with the adverse social conditions experienced by ethnic and racial minorities, lesbians, gay men, bisexual and transgender individuals, and others who are members of stigmatized social groups. Common sources of minority stress include experiencing prejudice, discrimination, harassment, or verbal or physical violence; expecting or experiencing rejection by others; concealing one’s minority identity; and internalizing negative societal attitudes about one’s social group that results in a negative self-view. The concept frequently is invoked by researchers to explain the increased rates of depression, suicide, anxiety, substance abuse, workplace problems, body image problems, eating disorders, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and other mental and physical conditions among members of minority or marginalized groups. Conversely, researchers have hypothesized certain protective factors that help
ameliorate the adverse health outcomes of minority stress. These include personal characteristics, such as resilience and an effective coping strategy, and social support mechanisms, such as group solidarity, group cohesion, and collective self-esteem. [coined in 1995 by Israeli-born U.S. social psychologist Ilan H. Meyer]