Everyday discrimination and mental health among sexual and gender minority adults: The moderating role of self-compassion.

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority (SGM) individuals frequently experience discrimination, often manifesting as poor mental health. Literature suggests that self-compassion improves mental health among SGM individuals, yet no research has examined whether the relationship between perceived discrimination and poor mental health is moderated by self-compassion among SGM adults. Data were collected in 2022 from 1,306 SGM adults in the United States recruited from Reddit. Sexual orientation, sex assigned at birth, and gender identity were measured, and participants were divided into one of two samples, cisgender sexual minority individuals and gender minority individuals. Probable anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7), probable depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Short Depression Scale), having considered suicide, and sociodemographics were also measured. Logistic regressions examined relationships between perceived discrimination, self-compassion, an interaction between the two, and all three mental health outcomes, adjusting for sexual orientation, gender identity, race/ethnicity, age, education, and income. In fully adjusted models, there were positive associations between perceived discrimination and each mental health outcome, and negative associations between self-compassion and each mental health outcome. Among gender minority individuals, there was a significant interaction between everyday discrimination and self-compassion for probable depression (p = .011) and having considered suicide (p = .022). For all SGM individuals, perceived discrimination was associated with poor mental health. Among gender minority adults, self-compassion was protective and attenuated this relationship. It is crucial to address discrimination using a multilevel approach to ensure reduction of harm for SGM individuals across the United States. Continued research is needed to clarify efficacy of self-compassion interventions for use among SGM adults.