There has been an increasing recognition of the challenges faced by transgender individuals, particularly in terms of their mental health and wellbeing. One significant factor that has been identified as contributing to these difficulties is chronic exposure to discrimination. This paper explores how chronic exposure to discrimination influences resilience, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes in transgender adults.
The impact of chronic exposure to discrimination can be seen through various domains, including psychological, physical, and social ones. Psychologically, transgender individuals may experience increased anxiety, depression, and low self-esteem due to feeling stigmatized, excluded, and misunderstood. Physically, they may experience stress-related illnesses such as heart disease and high blood pressure. Socially, they may face rejection from family, friends, and employers, which can lead to isolation and lack of support.
Transgender individuals often develop unique coping mechanisms to deal with this chronic exposure to discrimination. These strategies include denial, avoidance, minimization, and compensatory behavior. Denial involves refusing to acknowledge or accept one's gender identity, while avoidance involves withdrawing from situations where one might encounter discrimination. Minimization involves downplaying or dismissing experiences of discrimination, while compensatory behaviors involve engaging in activities that make up for feelings of inferiority.
Research suggests that these coping mechanisms may have mixed effects on resilience and mental health outcomes. While some individuals find success in utilizing these strategies, others may feel further isolated and hopeless when faced with continued challenges. It is also important to note that not all transgender individuals will use the same coping mechanisms, and there are likely additional factors at play in shaping their responses to discrimination.
Chronic exposure to discrimination has significant implications for the mental health of transgender adults, impacting their ability to cope and build resilience. Addressing and reducing discrimination is crucial for supporting transgender individuals and improving their overall wellbeing.
How does chronic exposure to discrimination influence resilience, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes in transgender adults?
The research on the effect of discrimination on the mental health of transgender adults has revealed that chronic exposure to discrimination can affect their resilience, coping strategies, and mental health outcomes negatively (e. g. , Zhao et al. , 2018). The study by Zhao et al.