Gender-based sexual assault and mental health in transgender and non-binary individuals: the role of proximal stressors

Though minority stress theory articulates the particularly deleterious psychological impact of stressors and traumas associated with one’s stigmatized identity, few studies have considered the mental health consequences of sexual assault perpetrated because of one’s gender. This study examined the psychological symptoms associated with gender-based sexual assault among transgender and non-binary (TNB) survivors, as well as several potentially relevant indirect associations. A sample of 141 sexual assault survivors who identified as TNB completed an online survey of sexual victimization history, gender minority stressors, and mental health. The findings demonstrated significant associations between gender-based sexual assault and mental health via internalized transphobia and negative expectations about the future. Specifically, gender-based sexual assault was associated with greater internalized transphobia and negative expectations about the future, which in turn were associated with greater mental health difficulties. The results are discussed in the context of informing the development and evaluation of affirming psychotherapy for TNB sexual assault survivors.