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Minority Stress Theory

Minority Stress Theory explains how individuals from marginalized groups experience unique stressors due to societal discrimination and stigma. This can include negative attitudes, social rejection, or violence based on characteristics like race, gender, or sexual orientation. These stressors can lead to mental health challenges, such as anxiety and depression, because they add to the regular stress of daily life. The theory highlights the need for understanding and addressing these specific stressors to improve the well-being of minority individuals, emphasizing the impact of social environments on mental health outcomes.

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    Minority stress theory explains how individuals from marginalized groups experience unique stressors due to their social identities, such as sexual orientation, race, or gender. These stressors arise from societal discrimination, prejudice, and stigma, leading to mental health challenges. Unlike general stress, which everyone faces, minority stress is specifically linked to being part of a minority group. This theory highlights the importance of understanding these pressures and their impacts, emphasizing that support and acceptance can mitigate these stressors and improve well-being for marginalized individuals.