The Courage to Challenge as a Measure of Hardiness in the LGBTQ+ Community (2021)

Psychological resilience refers to the process of coping effectively with adversity (Wu et al., 2013). Minority stress (Meyer, 2003) is often named as a primary cause for higher incidence of depression and suicide in LGBTQ+ individuals (Baams, Grossman, & Russell, 2015). Given the overwhelming evidence for high levels of stress and distress in marginalized populations, studies that focus on identifying community–specific strengths are essential. Hardiness, defined as the “courage to challenge negative social messages regarding gender identity and/or sexual orientation’” has been proposed as a potential LGBTQ+–specific resilience factor (Smith & Grey, 2009). To test this proposition, my study examined whether high levels of personal hardiness are related to a series of positive mental–wellness outcomes, including high levels of life satisfaction, thriving, optimism and flourishing. I will discuss my results and their clinical implications in my presentation.