Discrimination, Work Stress, and Psychological Well-being in LGBTI Workers in Spain

Abstract

espanolRESUMEN A pesar de que la discriminacion y el prejuicio hacia el colectivo LGTBI en Espana hayan disminuido, es posible que aun pervivan actitudes negativas hacia estas personas. En la presente investigacion analizamos si las personas LGTBI perciben la existencia de prejuicio o discriminacion hacia ellas en el ambito laboral debido a su orientacion sexual. Para analizar en terminos relativos dichas percepciones, las comparamos con las que tienen las personas de orientacion heterosexual. Despues se examino si la percepcion de discriminacion esta relacionada con el estres laboral, la presencia de trastornos mentales y la depresion. Los resultados mostraron que las personas LGTBI experimentaban mayor discriminacion en su trabajo en virtud de su orientacion sexual, produciendoles mayor estres laboral, trastornos mentales y depresion. Estos resultados confirman la pervivencia de discriminacion hacia las personas LGTBI en el ambito laboral y algunas de sus perniciosas consecuencias y muestran la necesidad de intervenciones para la reduccion del prejuicio hacia los trabajadores LGTBI. EnglishABSTRACT Discrimination and prejudice against LGBTI people in Spain are much lower than they used to be; however, negative attitudes towards them may still persist. The purpose of this study was to analyze whether LGBTI individuals perceive the existence of prejudice or discrimination due to their sexual orientation in the workplace. To assess these perceptions in relative terms, we compared them with those of heterosexual individuals. We also analyzed whether perceived discrimination was associated with work stress, the presence of common mental disorders, and depression. Results revealed that LGBTI employees reported experiencing greater discrimination in the workplace because of their sexualorientation, which in turn led to a greater incidence of work stress, mental disorders, and depression. Our findings confirm that job discrimination against LGBTI people is still present, along with some of its harmful consequences, and highlight the need for interventions to reduce prejudice against LGBTI persons in the workplace.