Minority stress and the inner critic/oppressive sociocultural schema mode among sexual and gender minorities

Abstract

Several adverse psychological outcomes among sexual and gender minorities (SGM) are well documented in the literature. Notwithstanding the emergence of these data, SGM still receive little attention regarding psychological interventions, which include Schema Therapy (ST), an emerging integrative psychotherapy approach. Even though revisions have been proposed to expand ST’s understanding of emotional needs, schemas, domains, and schema modes, there is a gap in our understanding of SGM. Based on that, the main goal of this theoretical essay is to propose a specific ST intervention for SGM, addressing sociocultural aspects aiming at promoting a healthy functioning that can interpose oppression and internalized prejudice. To this end, we will present (a) the minority stress theoretical framework; (b) the ST model applying to SGM clients; and (c) a few strategies of ST intervention for SGM clients, highlighting the need for strengthening individuals’ healthy schema mode. It should be noted that, despite clinical work being relevant, there are social variables supporting and maintaining maladaptive structures. We hope the therapeutic interventions proposed promote dialogue on this subject and encouraging positive societal changes.

Unmet Needs, Minority Stress and Mental Health Outcomes Among Transgender Individuals: The Mediating Role of Schema Domains

“…Indeed, clinicians have begun using schema interventions adapted for TGD individuals (e.g. Cardoso et al 2022;Herbitter and Levitt 2021); our findings represent an important step in establishing the evidence base to support the use of a schema model with this population. Improving TGD mental health outcomes therefore requires action at the societal level and also through the effective implementation of clinical interventions.…”

“…clinician confronting schoolyard bullies alongside the client's younger self; encouraging the client's younger self to explore their gender expression and identity). With chairwork, clients can create conversations between different parts of the self, which can support individuals to better understand and challenge maladaptive beliefs they hold because of anti-trans stigmatisation (Cardoso et al 2022;Kellogg and Garcia Torres 2021). For instance, individuals may speak to the part of themselves that believes they are defective, consider the origins of such beliefs and challenge their validity.…”

The Influence of Perceived Peer Norms on Transgender University Students' Alcohol Use

“…Interventions exist for sexual minority stress (including a transdiagnostic psychotherapy treatment for gender diverse sexual minority women), which could be adapted to reduce gender minority stress in transgender individuals (Chaudoir, 2017;Cardoso et al, 2022;Flentje et al, 2022;Pachankis et al, 2020;Pachankis et al, 2019). A group intervention for sexual and gender minority young adults combined has been evaluated, but currently there is no research on interventions that specifically target gender minority stress (Craig et al, 2021).…”