Date of Award

Summer 2021

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

School

Psychology

Committee Chair

Dr. Melanie Leuty

Committee Chair School

Psychology

Committee Member 2

Dr. Emily Bullock-Yowell

Committee Member 2 School

Psychology

Committee Member 3

Dr. Eric Dahlen

Committee Member 3 School

Psychology

Committee Member 4

Dr. Richard Mohn

Committee Member 4 School

Education

Abstract

Overt discrimination against sexual minorities in the workplace has been a topic of research and current political debate. However, little is known about a more nuanced form of workplace discrimination against sexual minorities: microaggressions. However, research has established clear mental health consequences of everyday microaggressions (e.g., increased depressive and anxiety symptoms, suicidality, lower life satisfaction, and physical health symptoms) against racial and sexual minorities. The current study aimed to explore correlates of microaggressions in the workplace, specifically workplace attitudes (e.g., job satisfaction and job stress) and mental health symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress). Further, emotional distress tolerance (EDT) was examined as a potential coping skill to buffer (or moderate) the relationship between microaggressions and workplace attitudes and mental health symptoms. In a sample of 325 sexual minorities, we found significant relationships between workplace microaggressions against sexual minorities and lower job satisfaction, higher job stress, and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms. Further, data indicated relationships between EDT and job satisfaction and depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms; however, there was no evidence that EDT moderated the relationships between microaggressions and dependent variables. Recommendations for practice, research, and advocacy are provided.

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