Discrimination, Work Stress, and Psychological Well-being in LGBTI Workers in Spain

Abstract

Discrimination and prejudice against LGBTI people in Spain are much lower than they used to be; however, negative attitudes towards them may still persist. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether LGBTI individuals perceive the existence of prejudice or discrimination due to their sexual orientation in the workplace. To assess these perceptions in relative terms, we compared them with those of heterosexual individuals. We also analyzed whether perceived discrimination was associated with work stress, the presence of common mental disorders, and depression. Results revealed that LGBTI employees reported experiencing greater discrimination in the workplace because of their sexual orientation, which in turn led to a greater incidence of work stress, mental disorders, and depression. Our findings confirm that job discrimination against LGBTI people is still present, along with some of its harmful consequences, and highlight the need for interventions to reduce prejudice against LGBTI persons in the workplace.

Assessing the Impact of COVID-19 on Work-Related Quality of Life through the Lens of Sexual Orientation

“…Our study sought to assess the impact of the fear of COVID-19 and the negative impact of COVID-19 on WRQoL, through the lens of sexual orientation. Concerning WRQoL, previous literature has shown significant differences attributable to sexual orientation [ 49 , 50 , 51 , 52 ], with manifested lower levels of WRQoL in sexual minorities, and higher burnout levels [ 52 , 53 ]. Our results were similar, since significant differences were found among sexual orientations, favoring heterosexual participants with higher scores for all WRQoL variables over bisexual and gay or lesbian participants.…”

“…Work, as one of the primary and most central areas of an individual’s life, is one of the places where there has been frequent discrimination and exclusion for sexual minority people [ 12 , 57 ], through marginalization, [ 23 ] prejudice, and stigma [ 12 , 52 , 54 ]. Inevitably, an unfavorable work environment has consequences for the perception of WRQoL in sexual minorities, negatively impacting career satisfaction and general well-being [ 50 ], increasing levels of stress at work [ 51 ] and negative emotions [ 54 ]. In turn, having low WRQoL leads to more significant impairment of mental health [ 55 , 56 ], especially symptoms of anxiety and depression [ 50 , 52 , 55 , 57 ].…”

“…Inevitably, an unfavorable work environment has consequences for the perception of WRQoL in sexual minorities, negatively impacting career satisfaction and general well-being [ 50 ], increasing levels of stress at work [ 51 ] and negative emotions [ 54 ]. In turn, having low WRQoL leads to more significant impairment of mental health [ 55 , 56 ], especially symptoms of anxiety and depression [ 50 , 52 , 55 , 57 ].…”

Adaptation and Validation of the LGBTCI to the Spanish LGBT Working Population

“…In addition, it has given rise to a range of international adaptations (e.g., Köllen, 2016), and it has also been used with modifications for the transgender population (Brewster et al, 2012). Qualitative studies on LGBT discrimination at work have recently appeared in Spain (Di Marco et al, 2018), using an ad hoc discrimination scale (Moya & Moya-Garófano, 2020) and the internal efficacy of company diversity policies has been evaluated (Pichardo et al, 2020). However, there is no validated instrument in Spanish that has the social and scientific relevance of the LGBTCI.…”

“…Such remarks usually take the form of subtle discrimination, such as jokes or stereotyped comments (Di Marco et al, 2018). This hostile atmosphere has effects at a psychological level: LGBT workers who feel that they are discriminated against in their workplace have higher levels of work stress and depression, as well as poorer mental health in general (Moya & Moya-Garófano, 2020).…”