Xenophobia is a fear or hatred of strangers, foreigners, or anything perceived as “other,” often manifesting as prejudice or discrimination. Although largely a social phenomenon, it can intersect with mental health when driven by anxiety, paranoia, or entrenched biases.
Key Points:
- Expression: Negative stereotypes, exclusion, hate speech, or discriminatory policies.
- Underlying Factors: Cultural isolation, fear-based media, personal trauma, or lack of exposure to diversity.
- Mental Health Link: Chronic xenophobia can be rooted in anxiety disorders or magnify one’s stress responses; victims of xenophobia can suffer depression, trauma, or social withdrawal.
- Interventions: Education, cultural competence training, contact-based community programs, and counseling to address underlying fears/biases.
