Internalized transphobia, nondisclosure of gender identity, and life satisfaction among transgender and non-binary adults: The moderating roles of psychological flexibility and inflexibility

Abstract

Transgender and non-binary (TGNB) individuals report higher rates of psychological difficulties and lower levels of life satisfaction compared to the general population. Minority-related stressors are associated with poorer mental health and life satisfaction among TGNB individuals. The aim of the current study was to examine whether psychological flexibility and inflexibility moderated the relationship between two TGNB-related stressors (i.e., internalized transphobia and nondisclosure of gender identity) and life satisfaction. Participants were recruited via advertisements on social media websites (e.g., Facebook), Reddit, and organizations serving TGNB individuals and 402 participants were included in the statistical analyses. Results showed that both psychological flexibility and inflexibility moderated the relationship between 1) internalized transphobia and life satisfaction and 2) nondisclosure of gender identity and life satisfaction. The current study highlights the need to continue to examine these variables, as well as, investigate the efficacy and effectiveness of interventions that target psychological flexibility and inflexibility on mental health and life satisfaction for TGNB populations.