The Hidden Harm Caused by Early Exposure to Prejudice

[Lori Dee]

The Hidden Harm Caused by Early Exposure to Prejudice
Witnessing homophobia in childhood can silently shape identity for years to come.
Link to Full Article
Psychology Today - Chris Tompkins
Posted August 12, 2025

Research in child development shows that most of our core beliefs are formed in early childhood, often between ages three and five. During these years, children are absorbing not just what adults say, but also the emotional tone, facial expressions, and subtle messages around them.

When those early messages include fear, rejection, or shaming of certain groups of people, including LGBTQ people, they can settle deep into a child's belief system—even if the child is not yet aware of their own identity. Those beliefs may remain invisible for years, until life circumstances bring them to the surface.

Even if a child hears a single slur, sees a parent flinch at two men holding hands, or grows up in a home where certain topics are simply "not talked about," those moments count as exposure. Each one has the potential to influence how they see themselves or others years down the road.

From a clinical perspective, prevention is far more effective than treatment. It's easier to stop prejudice from taking root than to try to undo it later.

... those who have lived with years of homophobia—whether from others or internalized—benefit from environments that affirm their worth and challenge harmful beliefs.

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I found this article interesting. Read the full article by clicking the link above.

[Asche]

It's interesting that they don't mention the effect of racism on black kids (or other groups targeted by racism.)  Or for that matter, the effect of seeing racist acts on white kids.

[Lori Dee]

It's interesting that they don't mention the effect of racism on black kids (or other groups targeted by racism.)  Or for that matter, the effect of seeing racist acts on white kids.

Not specifically. The discussion is about prejudice, but the author chose to specify LGBTQ because of their own experiences (as told in the article)... and possibly because LGBTQ is more "clickbaitable" than racism.

[Devlyn]

I haven't read the article but I have my own experience to share.

I grew up in an essentially all white town. In the 11th grade we were joined by a  black girl, she became class president in 12th grade.

Fast forward a few years and I joined the army. The  first day in, my world turned 50% black. I (and my mouth) soon found ourselves getting into altercations. At my first duty station I pretty much started a race riot. We all did PT in MOPP gear the next day. I was sent to the School Of The Soldier to smarten up.

I  was set out on this planet as a hateful, bigoted, racist...by my parents. I worked through all that. It took a long time. I understand that we're all people. We all deserve to be treated with common decency.

[Lori Dee]

I was sent to the School Of The Soldier to smarten up.

Oh, wow. Blast from the past. Yes, I was a student many times. Not fun. It took me several attempts to "smarten up".
 

[Devlyn]

I only went once, in Kaiserslautern.

[Lori Dee]

I only went once, in Kaiserslautern.

You must be smarter than me.