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Coping with discrimination: The insidious effects of gender minority stigma on depression and anxiety in transgender individuals
Author(s) -
Puckett Jae A.,
Maroney Meredith R.,
Wadsworth Lauren P.,
Mustanski Brian,
Newcomb Michael E.
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
journal of clinical psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.124
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1097-4679
pISSN - 0021-9762
DOI - 10.1002/jclp.22865
Subject(s) - psychology , anxiety , clinical psychology , coping (psychology) , psychological intervention , transgender , mental health , distress , minority stress , psychiatry , sexual minority , social psychology , sexual orientation , psychoanalysis
Objectives We examined types of discrimination encountered by transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals and the associations with symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as the mediating and moderating effects of coping responses. Method This online study included 695 TGD individuals ages 16 years and over ( M = 25.52; standard deviation = 9.68). Results Most participants (76.1%) reported discrimination over the past year. Greater exposure to discrimination was associated with more symptoms of depression and anxiety. These associations were mediated by coping via detachment and via internalization, although a direct effect remained. Conclusions Many TGD people will encounter discrimination and this is associated with greater psychological distress. Engagement in the internalization of blame or detachment partially explains the association between discrimination and mental health issues. These findings elucidate possible avenues for interventions to bolster adaptive coping responses for TGD people and highlight that actions to decrease discrimination are urgently needed.