Keywords

intersectionality, sexual orientation, race, gender, mental health, minority stress theory

Abstract

Experiencing discrimination is associated with greater risk of developing mental health symptoms. Important theories on the mental well-being of people who identify with underrepresented groups suggest that poorer outcomes are not simply associated with identifying with an underrepresented group. Rather, “minority stressors” (e.g., discrimination) drive poor mental health outcomes. Despite the connection between mental health and discrimination, there has been less research focused on the combined impact of multiple forms of discrimination and how they interact for individuals who possess multiple, underrepresented identities. Further, significantly less research has been conducted utilizing quantitative methodology. To investigate the relationship between different forms of discrimination and mental health symptoms, 394 adults who identified with an underrepresented gender, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity were recruited from Prime Panels by CloudResearch. Participants completed an online, cross-sectional survey that included measures of three types of discrimination, anxiety, depression, and stress. While there was a main effect of each type of discrimination, the interaction between racial, gender, and sexual orientation discrimination did not significantly predict symptoms of anxiety, depression, and stress. This study has implications for healthcare providers who assess for discriminatory experiences and treat distress associated with discrimination for clients who identify with multiple underrepresented groups.

Completion Date

2024

Semester

Summer

Committee Chair

Newins, Amie

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

College

College of Sciences

Department

Psychology

Degree Program

Clinical Psychology

Format

application/pdf

Identifier

DP0028863

URL

https://stars.library.ucf.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1310&context=etd2023

Language

English

Rights

In copyright

Release Date

February 2025

Length of Campus-only Access

None

Access Status

Doctoral Dissertation (Open Access)

Campus Location

Orlando (Main) Campus

Accessibility Status

Meets minimum standards for ETDs/HUTs

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