Coping with Discrimination: The Insidious Effects of Gender Minority Stigma on Depression and Anxiety in Transgender Individuals

Abstract

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; SD = 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 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.