Behavioral diversity can be profoundly influenced by the uneven power dynamics generated externally from factors such as discrimination, oppression, prejudice, and aggression, affecting an individual’s ability to make sound decisions. This innate relationship between these societal forces impacted on individuals brings out different outcomes as everyone reacts differently to the other, emphasizing a need to heighten health awareness. Beyond imparting knowledge, educators play an intricate role in opening their student’s minds to understanding, playing roles of catalyst to impactful behavior change that empowers an all-inclusive society, impacting individuals to make health-conscious decisions.
Discrimination involves mistreating individuals based on characteristics like race, gender, or background. It often involves negative stereotypes and can lead to discriminatory behaviors, perpetuating social inequalities and hindering the establishment of fair and inclusive communities. Different people have different ways of synthesizing stress; therefore, discrimination opens channels to uncontrollable and unpredictable behavior that may harm others in society. Persistent exposure to discriminatory experiences is associated with increased stress levels, leading to a range of adverse health outcomes. In instances of chronic exposure to discrimination, individuals are likely to experience high blood pressure and cardiovascular complications, which, in turn, affects their productivity (Pascoe & Smart Richman, 2009). Mentally, anxiety and depression are likely to affect individuals in these societies significantly. These instances are brought about by reduced healthcare or complete neglect of the healthcare systems in these regions, which may affect their growth in general, leading to a degrading society. Discrimination has several effects that, if not addressed, have adverse effects on the health of the individual and may include:
Interpersonal relationships strain
Discrimination can strain interpersonal relationships, leading to social isolation, which erodes a person’s sense of self-worth and belonging, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. Self-isolation hinders an individual from experiencing social connections, therefore impeding one’s ability to build trust and genuine connections. They end up only being available to those closest to them or strain the existing relationship. Persistent discrimination can lead to chronic stress, compromising the immune system and increasing vulnerability to illnesses. Mental health also suffers, with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and diminished overall well-being of the individual, limiting their chances of looking for social connections.
Physiological Consequences
Psychological exposure to discrimination has adverse effects on the human body that, when unchecked, might prove to be dangerous. The exposure triggers the body’s stress response mechanism, allowing the release of hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline. When introduced in high amounts in the body, cortisol can affect a significant number of organs in the body, producing adverse effects, including cardiovascular problems, compromised immune function, and an increased risk of chronic conditions such as hypertension (Montoya et al., 2011). The body’s continuous activation of the stress response affects the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to illnesses and compromising physical health. These individuals may grapple with persistent feelings of fear and emotional distress, all of which cause harmful effects on their mental health.
Healthcare Disparities
Healthcare discrimination manifests as systemic inequities that disproportionately affect marginalized communities, therefore limiting the availability of health services such as delayed services and inadequate care. Minority populations often face challenges in accessing quality care due to structural biases, cultural insensitivity, and unconscious detriments held by healthcare professionals (Williams et al., 2019). Unequal access to healthcare resources worsens existing health conditions, contributing to poor health outcomes. These societies end up experiencing adverse health problems, economic challenges, and stagnated societal growth.
In conclusion, the connections between behavioral diversity, health awareness, and discrimination emphasize the need for in-depth and informed educational approaches. Understanding the impact of discrimination on health choices is vital in cultivating a supportive environment. Educators play a pivotal role in guiding individuals through these complexities, promoting inclusivity, and empowering informed and positive decision-making, which will help society adapt to changes that impact everyone for better change. Educators have a critical role in reaching the root of these societal issues, breaking the patterns of discrimination, and allowing the development of environments that nurture progressive and positive change. Supportive social networks are crucial for promoting positive health behaviors, and therefore, it is essential to implement policies and interventions that promote equity, inclusivity, and cultural competence within healthcare systems. Leadership positions such as lawmakers have a defined role of protecting the rights and freedom of their fellow citizens; therefore, advocating for fairness in resource distribution and equality in representation allows the creation of a society determined to discard old patterns of discrimination, prejudice, aggression, and oppression.
REFERENCES
Montoya, E. R., Terburg, D., Bos, P. A., & van Honk, J. (2011). Testosterone, cortisol, and serotonin as key regulators of social aggression: A review and theoretical perspective. Motivation and Emotion, 36(1), 65–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11031-011-9264-3
Pascoe, E. A., & Smart Richman, L. (2009). Perceived discrimination and health: A meta-analytic review. Psychological Bulletin, 135(4), 531–554. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016059
Williams, D. R., Lawrence, J. A., Davis, B. A., & Vu, C. (2019). Understanding how discrimination can affect health. Health Services Research, 54(S2), 1374–1388. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13222
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