Minority, majority and minority stress

Preparations

A lecture on minority stress (if the group work is to be followed by a lecture, which we recommend).

Instructions

• The facilitator starts by informing that minority stress is a theoretical perspective that has attracted more and more attention in research and the public debate over the last 30 years.
  Minority stress is triggered when people experience stigmatisation, prejudice and discrimination due to their minority identity. When this happens repeatedly, one may develop the expectation that more negative incidents will occur.
• The participants are divided into three groups of four to six each. Each of the groups will answer one of the questions below. (If there are many participants, additional groups can be formed. Two or more groups can then answer the same question). (20-30 minutes).
  1. Which consequences can minority stress have for the affected individuals?
  2. Which consequences can minority stress have for the affected groups?
  3. Which consequences can minority stress have for greater society?

• The groups present their findings in a plenary session. Those who worked with question 1 start, followed by those who worked with question 2, and finally those who worked with question 3. The participants may ask each other questions during their presentations.
• The facilitator gives a lecture on minority stress (see topic text). Important points:
  • The theory of minority stress explains the increase in the number of mental health problems (particularly anxiety, depression, substance addiction, suicide and eating disorders) and physiological problems (such as high blood pressure and heart and vascular diseases) among the minority population compared to the majority population as a consequence of stigmatisation, discrimination and other issues related to living in a hostile environment.[1]
  • Minority stress has many negative consequences for affected individuals and groups and for greater society. (Which you have shown in the preceding group work). For individuals, some consequences might be increased alertness and fear, withdrawal, isolation and concealing one’s identity and type of belonging.
  • Even if individuals suffer from this type of stress, there are of course also positive aspects from belonging to a minority, similarly as belonging to a majority group.Who is the minority and who is the majority depends on the surroundings. What is most important is that people can be themselves and be respected as they are. This gives security, joy, strength and development. Members of all groups can feel belonging and togetherness and find pride and strength in who they are together. Belonging to a minority group can give strength and resilience.
  • Because minority stress is triggered by stigmatisation and prejudice, the level of such stress in the population and targeted minority groups will vary over time and from one community to the next.
  • One implication of the minority-stress model is that when stigmatisation and prejudice are reduced, there will be less minority stress. On the other hand, an increase in stigmatisation and prejudice increases minority stress. External incidents can lead to (more) minority stress. (The facilitator can ask the participants about examples).
  • Because reduced stigmatisation and less prejudice will reduce minority stress, with positive consequences for individuals, groups and greater society, the central authorities should work to reduce discrimination, disseminate more information and help to build bridges. In a human rights perspective, it is important to reduce discrimination, but it is also important in a general health perspective. Living conditions for minority groups will improve.
  • The media should be highly aware of how they present news involving minority people.

Debriefing

The theory of minority stress explains that the accumulation of mental challenges among minorities is a consequence of stigmatisation and discrimination, and not an inherent quality of minority people.[2] Minority stress has negative consequences for individuals, groups and society. Because the stress is triggered by stigmatisation, prejudice and discrimination it is important to work for a positive change in attitudes. Raising our awareness that everyone has equal rights, and that we are unique and complex individuals may prevent discrimination. We must communicate with and talk about each other with respect.

[1] Source: SNL (the Great Norwegian Encyclopaedia). Keyword: Minority stress 30 March 2023

[2] Source: SNL (the Great Norwegian Encyclopaedia). Keyword: Minority stress 30 March 2024