How does it feel, sitting in a corner with mind full of countless thoughts at the tip of your tongue? This is exactly what GROUPISM feels like. There’s a bunch of friends giggling, sharing sorrows, having day outs. And suddenly you realize you are all alone. Groupism can convert positive mind to a suicidal one. Victims of Groupism are left alone searching for people with whom the want to share things. From being a friendly energetic chap groupism can make one a depressed fellow individual who has already forgotten how to smile. Mental health degrades day by day. It looks horrifying when a talkative soul shuts his or her mouth.
When groupism leads to discrimination, exclusion, or conflict between groups, it can have negative effects on the mental health of individuals involved, as well as on the broader society.
Here are some ways in which groupism can impact mental health:
Social Exclusion and Isolation
Being excluded or marginalized from certain groups due to factors such as race, ethnicity, or social status can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and rejection. This can contribute to depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Stress and Anxiety
Inter-group conflicts or competition can create a stressful environment, leading to increased anxiety and tension among individuals. Fear of discrimination or prejudice based on group membership can also heighten stress levels.
Psychological Trauma
Extreme forms of groupism, such as hate crimes, violence, or persecution based on group affiliation, can result in psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and other trauma-related disorders.
Identity Issues
Groupism can create conflicts related to personal identity, especially for individuals who belong to multiple groups or feel torn between different cultural or social identities. This can lead to confusion, identity crises, and a sense of not belonging anywhere.
Low Self-Esteem
Experiencing discrimination or being treated unfairly based on group affiliation can negatively impact self-esteem and self-worth. Constant exposure to negative stereotypes or prejudice can lead individuals to internalize these beliefs, resulting in lower self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy.
Groupism can be strengthened by internal group rules and expectations. Group members may feel pressure to conform to the beliefs and behaviors of the group, and those who deviate from these norms may face rejection or ostracism. This reinforces the cohesion of the ingroup while promoting biases against outgroup members.
In addition, cognitive biases such as the ingroup bias and the outgroup homogeneity effect further contribute to groupism. These biases lead individuals to perceive members of their own group as more diverse and nuanced while viewing outgroup members as more homogeneous and stereotypical.
Overall, groupism is a complex social phenomenon rooted in human psychology, social dynamics, and cultural influences. By understanding its underlying mechanisms and effects, individuals and societies can work towards promoting inclusivity, empathy, and cooperation across group boundaries.
