Intersectional Identity Integration: Psychological Well-being, Mental Health, and Identity Coherence Across Multiple Stigmatized Dimensions

Abstract

The processes of identity integration among multiply marginalized people with multiple stigmatized identities, in terms of race, gender, sexuality, disability, and class, are explored in this qualitative study. We explored facilitators and barriers, and used phenomenological inquiry with 100 multiply marginalized adults recruited through community partnerships to find four identity integration trajectories. Results show that identity integration has a strong influence on mental health outcomes. The facilitators worked at multiple levels: critical consciousness around systemic oppression, narrative identity work, mentorship and chosen family, and at the community level: intersectional affinity spaces and activist engagement. The barriers were systemic discrimination, internalized stigma, and within-group marginalization. The participants who experienced a higher degree of integration showed higher psychological well-being, lower levels of depression and anxiety, and a higher sense of purpose. Findings highlight the need for an intersectional mental health perspective that emphasizes individual identity integration and systemic change. Clinical implications include increased intersectional competency of the providers and support for authentic identity expression via therapeutic and community interventions based on social justice principles.