Beyond the Centrality of Shame: How Self-Concealment and Fear of Receiving Compassion From Others Impact Psychological Suffering in Transgender Adults

Shame-based social interactions are a minority social stressor commonly experienced by transgender individuals. However, few studies have explored the centrality of shame experiences in transgender identity and mental health. Also, the ability to receive care and soothing support may be influenced by intrapersonal shame- and fear-related factors, which may hinder openness, and support and care seeking, thus contributing to psychological distress. This study aims to examine the relationship between central shame experiences, fear of receiving compassion from others, self-concealment, and psychological distress (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms) in a sample of Portuguese transgender adults. Following a cross-sectional design, data from a convenience sample of 70 self-identified transgender individuals undergoing gender-affirming medical interventions (GAMIs) were analyzed, using SPSS PROCESS, to determine whether the relationship between central shame experiences and psychological suffering occurred indirectly through fear of receiving compassion from others, and self-concealment. Results suggest that fear of receiving compassion from others, but not self-concealment, was the underlying factor between central shame experiences, and depression and anxiety. Results suggest that the centrality of shame experiences and stress symptomatology associate sequentially through fear of compassion and, in turn, through self-concealment. Clinical implications for mental health interventions with transgender individuals undergoing GAMI are discussed.