Abstract Book of the 4th International Conference on LGBT Studies
Year: 2025
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The Effect of Work Discrimination to the LGBTIQ+ Spanish Employees on Work Stress and Their Mental Health
Dr. Jesús García López
ABSTRACT:
Despite the fact that the recognition and protection against discrimination of the LGBTIQ+ collective has increased markedly in recent decades, there are still structural and cultural challenges that affect the achievement of effective equality of opportunities in access to and maintenance of employment. This article aims to demonstrate how LGBTIQ+ people are more likely to suffer discrimination at work, so that work stress increases for people who belong to the collective and can affect mental health. To this end, a sample of 276 employees has been contacted, including people from the group such as heterosexuals and cisgender. After analysing the data using the PLS-SEM methodology by RStudio, it has been observed that employees who belong to the collective have a greater tendency to suffer discrimination, which increases their work stress. This greater work stress is determined by the discrimination suffered by the group and not directly because they belong to the collective. It has also been observed how work stress can have consequences on mental health, showing symptoms of depression, anxiety and depression, isolation and feelings of sadness, and creating the need to avoid situations that generate anxiety. Finally, a series of recommendations are provided for companies in order to establish inclusive work environments.
Keywords: LGBTIQ+, homophobia, discrimination at work, work stress, mental health