Exploring personality pathology and minority stress among Australian sexual and gender minorities.

Abstract

Increased prevalence of personality pathology, characterized by both personality disorder diagnoses and presentation of personality disorder traits, has been identified among sexual and gender minorities (SGMs) compared to their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts. Additionally, certain subgroups within the SGM community, namely bisexual and transgender populations, are found to have a prevalence of personality pathology elevated above that of other SGM subgroups. However, research on personality pathology prevalence across sexuality and gender identity is in its infancy, remaining scarce and inconclusive. Further, while literature has speculated that the increased levels of personality pathology observed within the SGM community may arise from manifestations of minority stress, this is yet to be explored empirically. This study examined self-reported personality pathology from SGM community members as well as their cisgender and heterosexual counterparts and explored potential relationships between personality pathology and minority stress. Using a cross-sectional survey design, 368 participants recruited within Australia completed measures of personality functioning, maladaptive personality traits, and, for SGM participants, minority stress. Greater presentation of personality pathology was identified among SGM participants, with higher mean scores across personality measures. Personality pathology scores were found to be highest among noncisgender individuals and sexuality groups other than heterosexual and gay/lesbian. As theorized, minority stress was positively correlated with increased personality pathology. Implications regarding the potential for overpathologizing of SGM populations are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).