Oppression, Trauma Symptoms of Discrimination and Collective Self Esteem among Indian Religious Minorities

Abstract

India, a richly diverse nation, is home to various religious communities, including Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Jainism, Buddhism, and others, which have coexisted for centuries. Despite the country’s constitutional commitment to secularism and religious equality, religious minorities in India often face systemic discrimination and marginalization. This is particularly evident in political, social, and economic spheres, where minorities such as Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs frequently report experiencing various forms of oppression, ranging from institutional bias to social exclusion and violence. The study examines the impact of oppression and discrimination on the mental health and collective self-esteem of religious minorities in India. Indian Muslims and Christians, in particular, face systemic discrimination, which can lead to trauma symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and a pervasive sense of exclusion. This research explores how these individuals navigate their marginalization and investigates how collective self-esteem - pride in one’s religious community - can mitigate the effects of trauma resulting from oppression. Quantitative data was collected from 32 participants across several states in India. The study employed standardized measures to assess perceived discrimination, trauma symptoms, and collective self-esteem. Findings revealed a significant relationship between discrimination and trauma symptoms. However, individuals who reported higher levels of collective self-esteem exhibited lower levels of trauma symptoms, suggesting that a strong sense of community and belongingness may serve as a protective factor. This research contributes to the understanding of the psychological impact of discrimination on Indian religious minorities, highlighting the need for culturally sensitive mental health interventions. It also emphasizes the importance of fostering collective self- esteem to lessen the adverse effects of discrimination and trauma and recommends social and policy implications for promoting inclusivity and mental well-being.