Releasing Internalized Stigma for Empowerment: Development of Theory-Driven Interventions for Sexual and Gender Minorities

Abstract

Internalized stigma has a direct and detrimental effect on the mental health of sexual and gender minorities (SGMs), yet few interventions have been specifically designed to reduce such internalized stigma. This article describes numerous social psychology concepts and theories integrated into a brief, online intervention that has demonstrated success in reducing internalized stigma among SGM subpopulations. Using this intervention as an example, we illustrate how concepts from social psychology can expand the development of such interventions and strategies. We demonstrate how social psychological theories, particularly those related to attitude formation and change, may inform development of this and other interventions.

Keywords:

• internalized stigma
• online intervention
• prejudice reduction
• sexual and gender minorities