The Impact of Psychological Distress on the Occupational Well-Being of Sexual and Gender Minorities

Abstract

Background: Discrimination against sexual and gender minorities in occupational settings has been an important topic of research. However, little is known about this impact in Portuguese-speaking people. Methods: 305 Portuguese and Brazilian participants who identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other sexual and gender identities (LGBTQIA+) completed an online survey comprising sociodemographic questions, a set of scales to assess psychological distress, and a set of scales to assess occupational well-being. Results: Participants had higher levels of burnout, depressive symptoms, and anxiety and lower levels of work-related quality of life, engagement, and self-efficacy at work compared to the defined cut-off points for normative populations, with asexual and bisexual people appearing to be the most affected. Significant correlations were found for all variables, and psychological distress was a significant predictor of lower occupational well-being. Conclusions: These findings are useful for understanding the occupational health of LGBTQIA+ people and suggest efforts to improve the climate in the workplace for this population.

The Relationships Between Gender Identity, Loneliness, and Body Dissatisfaction Among Adolescents

“…Adolescents with gender identity issues may experience particularly severe increased levels of stress and pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations (Spencer et al, 2021). Adolescents who identify as gender non-conforming frequently experience prejudice, stigmatization, and a lack of empathy from others under minority stress (Eres et al, 2021;Pereira, Silva, & Beatriz, 2022;Russell et al, 2021). When adolescents feel dissatisfaction with their bodies -which often arises when there is a disconnect between one's body and gender identity and when there is an inability to safely express one's true gender identity in various social situations -they may feel particularly misunderstood, and this can increase their experience of loneliness.…”

“…Adolescents exploring or embracing diverse gender identities may encounter unique challenges (e.g., stigma, prejudice, internalized homophobia) in addition to general stressors and stressors in their social environments that threaten their mental health and overall well-being (Meyer, 2013;Pereira, Silva, & Beatriz, 2022;Russell & Fish, 2016). Adolescents may face discrimination, victimization, social exclusion, bullying, and harassment, which can increase stress and anxiety, depression levels, and loneliness (Eres et al, 2021;Marshal et al, 2011;Mustanski, Andrews, & Puckett, 2016;Russell et al, 2021).…”

Workplace Experiences of LGBTQIA + Individuals in Portugal

“…LGBTQIA + workers have been found to report higher levels of burnout, depressive symptoms, and anxiety, and lower levels of work-related quality of life, work engagement, and occupational self-efficacy compared to normative populations (Pereira et al, 2022). These discrepancies may be explained by the fact that non-discrimination policies do not completely protect LGBTQIA + workers from more covert types of discrimination, such as microaggressions (Galupo & Resnick, 2016).…”