Exploring Personality Pathology and Minority Stress Among Australian Sexual and Gender Minorities

Abstract

Higher rates of personality pathology, characterised by both personality disorder diagnoses and presentation of subclinical symptoms, are identified among sexual and gender minorities (SMs) as compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, certain subgroups within the SGM community, namely bisexual and transgender populations, are found to have rates of personality pathology further elevated above that of other SGM subgroups. However, research on personality pathology prevalence across sexuality and gender identity is in its infancy, remaining scarce and somewhat inconclusive. Further, whilst literature has speculated that the increased levels of personality pathology observed within the SGM community may arise from manifestations of minority stress, this is yet to be explored empirically. This study examines scores of personality pathology from SGM community members as well as their cisgender, heterosexual counterparts and also explores if a relationship exists between personality pathology and minority stress. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 368 participants recruited within Australia completed measures designed to evaluate level of personality functioning, presence of maladaptive personality traits, and, for SGM participants, level of minority stress. Greater presentation of personality pathology was identified among SGM participants, with higher mean scores on both personality measures. Personality pathology scores were found to be highest among non- cisgender individuals and sexuality groups other than heterosexual and homosexual (gay/lesbian). As theorised, minority stress was positively correlated with personality pathology presentation. This research highlights how overlaps in manifestations of minority stress and personality disorder criteria may lead to misdiagnosis or over-pathologising for SGM populations.