The roles of protective factors in facing gender-related interpersonal stigma among Chinese transgender and gender diverse individuals: A mixed-method study

Abstract

Background Transgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals report high rates of mistreatment in the form of interpersonal stigma. These experiences can negatively impact their mental health. However, few studies have explored this relationship within a Chinese context. This study aims to investigate the connection between various forms of interpersonal stigma and mental health among Chinese TGD individuals. It also seeks to understand the role of collective and personal protective factors in mitigating the effects of interpersonal stigma. Methods This study used explanatory sequential mixed methods, combining primary quantitative research with supplementary qualitative research. A total of 398 Chinese TGD individuals participated in an online questionnaire survey, with seven of these participants also taking part in semi-structured interviews. Results Of the Chinese TGD participants, 48.7% reported experiencing mild or more severe depressive symptoms, while 42.2% of them reported a low level of well-being status. The interpersonal stigma was found to be positively associated with depression and negatively associated with well-being status. Among the examined protective factors, the interactions of community consciousness and identity pride with the interpersonal stigma aggravated the relationships between the interpersonal stigma and well-being status. The qualitative interviews confirmed the widespread presence of interpersonal stigma and provided additional insights into the exacerbating effects of community consciousness and identity pride. Conclusions This study highlighted the existence of pervasive interpersonal stigma and its negative impact on the mental health of Chinese TGD individuals. The community consciousness and identity pride should be questioned for the validity of acting as protective factors. Such findings provided evidence for further developing intervention programs and clinical instructions for healthcare providers.