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Understanding sexual and gender diverse people of color identity affirmation as a form of resistance: Implications for a resistance–resilience model.

Joshua G. Parmenter & Aldo Barrita

American Psychologist2026https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001671article
ABDC A*
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Sexual and gender diverse people of color (SGD-POC) navigate interlocking systems of oppression rooted in racism, heterosexism, and cissexism, which contribute to adverse mental health outcomes. However, resilience and resistance are often overlooked in research on intersectionality. Guided by Black feminist thought, this study positions SGD-POC identity affirmation-specifically identity cohesion and identity-based growth-as forms of internal resistance that foster resilience and protect against depression. Using a path analysis with a diverse national sample of 418 SGD-POC participants (M = 36.09, SD = 13.71), we conducted an analysis of indirect effects in which identity cohesion and identity-based growth's relation with depression were best explained by their association with general resilience. Results supported our hypotheses: Both identity cohesion and identity-based growth were positively associated with general resilience, which was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Identity cohesion was directly associated with lower depression, while identity-based growth was unexpectedly directly associated with higher depression, possibly reflecting the emotional labor embedded in growth under systemic oppression. Indirect effects confirmed that both identity cohesion and identity-based growth indirectly reduced depression through increased resilience. This study contributes to resiliency theory by centering SGD-POC strengths and reframing identity affirmation as a protective and empowering mechanism. Clinical and community-based implications underscore the importance of fostering affirming spaces that celebrate intersectional identity and acknowledge the dual reality of resilience and pain in resistance. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001671

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@article{joshua2026,
  title        = {{Understanding sexual and gender diverse people of color identity affirmation as a form of resistance: Implications for a resistance–resilience model.}},
  author       = {Joshua G. Parmenter & Aldo Barrita},
  journal      = {American Psychologist},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001671},
}

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.