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An X-ray photograph revealing the intricate, interlocking structure of an individual’s intersectional identity, a source of psychological strength against systemic oppression.East Lansing Today
New research from Michigan State University’s Department of Psychology has found that affirming one’s intersectional identity can be a source of psychological strength and resilience for sexual and gender diverse people of color, rather than just a vulnerability. The study, published in American Psychologist, examined how identity cohesion and identity-based growth are positively associated with resilience and negatively associated with depressive symptoms in this population.
Why it matters
This study challenges the tendency in research to focus on the risks and harms experienced by marginalized communities. It suggests that identity itself can be a source of protection and empowerment, functioning as a form of resistance against systemic oppression. The findings have practical implications for clinicians and community organizations to create affirming spaces and therapeutic approaches that target identity cohesion and growth to foster resilience and strengthen mental health.
The details
The study, led by Aldo Barrita, a dean’s research associate in the Department of Psychology, used a national sample of 418 sexual and gender diverse people of color. It focused on two key dimensions of identity affirmation: identity cohesion, the feeling that different aspects of one’s identity fit together meaningfully, and identity-based growth, the process of developing a deeper understanding of oneself through navigating experiences of marginalization. The researchers found that both identity cohesion and identity-based growth are positively associated with resilience and negatively associated with depressive symptoms. However, the study also showed an unexpected direct association between identity-based growth and higher depressive symptoms, suggesting the emotional labor of developing one’s sense of self under conditions of systemic discrimination comes with a cost.
The study was published in American Psychologist in 2026.
The players
Aldo Barrita
The lead author of the study and a dean’s research associate in the Department of Psychology at Michigan State University.
Michigan State University
The university where the research was conducted, located in East Lansing, Michigan.
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What they’re saying
“These findings challenge the tendency in research to focus on risk and harm when examining the experiences of marginalized communities. These findings suggest that identity itself can be a source of protection and empowerment. It functions as an active form of resistance against systemic oppression.”
— Aldo Barrita, Co-lead author of the study and dean’s research associate in the Department of Psychology
“There is significant emotional labor that comes with developing one’s sense of self under conditions of systemic discrimination. The burden of resilience should not fall on marginalized individuals alone. This study shows that growing through oppression does come with a cost.”
— Aldo Barrita, Co-lead author of the study and dean’s research associate in the Department of Psychology
What’s next
The findings from this study suggest that clinicians and community organizations should focus on creating affirming spaces where sexual and gender diverse people of color can explore and celebrate their identities, as well as developing therapeutic approaches that target identity cohesion and identity-based growth to foster resilience and strengthen mental health.
The takeaway
This study challenges the common narrative that focuses solely on the risks and harms experienced by marginalized communities. Instead, it shows that identity can be a source of psychological strength and resilience, serving as a form of resistance against systemic oppression. By supporting the development of identity cohesion and identity-based growth, clinicians and community leaders can help empower sexual and gender diverse people of color and improve their mental health outcomes.