Understanding How Stigmatization Affects Adolescent Development
During adolescence, the impact of teens’ social context on their academic success escalates considerably. While this is true for all youth, it poses a more significant challenge for those with stigmatized identities.
A stigmatized identity is one that is undermined by such factors as membership in a sexual or ethnic minority, living in poverty, suffering from obesity, and other difficult situations. When circumstances like these cause a diminished sense of self-worth, the repercussions for a teenager’s ability to adapt socially, achieve academic success, and maintain good mental health can be serious. In other words, youth whose identity is stigmatized are at high risk of academic and psychosocial struggles.
Dr. Alexa Martin-Storey, who holds the Canada Research Chair in Stigmatization and Psychosocial Development, is seeking to understand how stigmatization shapes adolescents’ social adaptation, academic success and well-being. Focusing on stigmatization, Martin-Storey and her research team are adopting a developmental perspective to gain a better grasp of this impact.
One of the research program’s strengths is that it explores a diversity of stigmatized identities. This enables the research team to identify universal principles among the mechanisms that lead to variable social and academic adaptation among stigmatized youth, as well as the specific characteristics that may be linked to a type of stigmatized identity.
Martin-Storey’s work will expand and adjust theories relating to stigmatization, identify avenues for action, and—with an eye to prevention—develop awareness and training modules for educators and those working on the ground. Ultimately, this research will support vulnerable youth.