Work

Transgender Dehumanization and Mental Health: Microaggressions, Sexual Objectification, and Shame

Year: 2023

Type: article

Abstract: Using structural equation modeling in a national, nonprobabilistic sample of 292 transgender women and men, this project extends the pantheoretical dehumanization framework by testing direct and indirect relations between dehumanization (i.e., a higher-order construct from experiences of transgender microaggressions and sexual objectification), internalization processes (i.e., internalized transnegativity, self-objectification), shame, and general mental health. The model explained 55% of the variance in general mental health. Direct relations between dehumanization and all internalization processes were positive and significant. Internalized transnegativity and shame were significant, negative, direct predictors of mental health, but neither dehumanization nor self-objectification was a significant direct predictor of transgender mental health. Both self-objectification and internalized transnegativity directly predicted more feelings of shame. However, only shame yielded a significant indirect pathway from dehumanization to mental health. The indirect relations from self-objectification and internalized transnegativity to mental health through shame were significant. Research, advocacy, and clinical implications are discussed.

Source: The Counseling Psychologist

DOI: 10.1177/00110000231156161

Authors: Cory Jacob Cascalheira, Na-Yeun Choi

Institutions: New Mexico State University, Dankook University

Language: English

Topic: LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities

Open Access status: green

Funders: Psi Chi, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of General Medical Sciences