When stigma enters healthcare: Positive identity and mentalization in LGBTQ+ people’s well-being

LGBTQ+ individuals experience and anticipate stigma not only within society at large, but also—and critically—in healthcare contexts. Sexual stigma in healthcare services, positive identity, psychological well-being, and mentalization were assessed in 361 LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and nonbinary, queer) adults living in Italy. In both LGB cisgender and TNBQ groups, positive identity mediated the association between healthcare stigma and well-being. Mentalization moderated the impact of stigma on well-being only in the TNBQ group. Fostering culturally competent compassion and mentalization capacities can help LGBTQ+ populations’ counteract the detrimental effect of stigma on well-being.