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SEXUAL MINORITY DISCRIMINATION, PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND
COPING RESPONSES OF LGBT PERSONS
DEPRIVED OF LIBERTY

Aire F. Yukdawan 1
Eulalia Rosales 2

1 Masters of Art in Psychology, Graduate Studies
Southville International School and Colleges
Las Pinas, Philippines

2 Masters of Art in Psychology, Graduate Studies
Southville International School and Colleges
Las Pinas, Philippines

ABSTRACT

Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender
(LGBT) have been known to experience challenges and negative mental health symptoms
during incarceration due to their sexual minority status. This study examined the relationship
between sexual minority discrimination and psychological distress as correlates to coping
responses of LGBT PDLs. Seventy-eight (78) LGBT PDLs from selected Metro Manila City
Jails were tested using the Everyday Discrimination Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale,
and Coping Strategy Indicator as well as a written interview. Findings include respondents
having few experiences of sexual minority discrimination and few general distress symptoms.
Additionally, they moderately utilize problem-solving, seeking social support, and avoidance as
coping responses. A significant relationship was found between sexual minority discrimination
and psychological distress, and psychological distress and avoidance coping of respondents.
Meanwhile, a significant difference was found for the respondent’s detention period and offense
committed. LGBT PDLs are recommended to seek affirmative counselling and strengthen
friendships with PDLs who are accepting of their sexual minority status. Visitation hours or
e-dalaw opportunities should be more frequent. Jail personnel must be trained on sexual
orientation and gender identity sensitivity, while jail psychologists can craft LGBT advocacy
programs and deploy cognitive behavior therapy for addressing psychological distress. Future
researchers can study the link between incarceration rates and psychological distress to address
recidivism rates, as well as to conduct a longitudinal study on the sexual minority
discrimination, psychological distress, and coping responses to further investigate the trends
between variables among LGBT PDLs.