Following Frantz Fanon’s work and ideas, Cristalis Capielo-Rosario and her colleagues (2019) describe colonial mentality as “a form of internalized oppression in which the colonized culture and society are considered inferior to the culture and society of the colonizer.”

It explains how a historically marginalized, oppressed, or colonized community can come to see itself negatively while at the same time see the historically dominant culture more positively.

When marginalized groups—such as Puerto Ricans on the island and the Diaspora—internalize a more negative view of their community, this makes them more vulnerable to higher levels of anxiety and depression, as well as reduced social support. Interpersonal relationships can also be impacted as a more negative view of self and others makes it more difficult to get the support and care we need to cope with everyday problems.

Attachment theory explains how we achieve closeness, security and intimacy with others in order to meet our needs. It also addresses the stories we tell ourselves about how other people think and feel, and also, how they think and feel about us, based on our early childhood experiences.

We know from existing research that greater attachment security protects historically marginalized communities from internalized oppression. This makes sense as healthy and secure attachments lead to a healthier sense of self and identity. Poorer attachment relationships can make people more vulnerable to internalized oppression and negative outcomes.