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Exploring the Link Between Personality Pathology and Perceptions of Sexual Orientation Microaggressions
Monica Paez1, Jared R Ruchensky2, Tiffany D Russell3
1Department of Psychology & Philosophy, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX, USA.
Journal of Homosexuality
|June 3, 2026
Summary
This study found that personality pathology, using the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), is associated with how individuals perceive microaggressions against sexual minorities. Understanding this link is crucial for addressing discrimination.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Personality disorders significantly impair self-perception and interpersonal functioning.
- Previous research focused on personality pathology's impact on emotion recognition, interpersonal style, and aggression.
- Limited research explored the connection between maladaptive personality traits and discriminatory behaviors like microaggressions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between personality pathology, as defined by the Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), and the perception of microaggressions.
- To examine how individuals with varying levels of personality pathology perceive social interactions involving microaggressions targeting gay and lesbian individuals.
Main Methods:
- Participants evaluated vignettes depicting seven types of microaggressions against sexual minorities and control vignettes.
- The study assessed participants' perceptions of these social interactions.
- Associations between AMPD constructs and microaggression perceptions were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Participants perceived microaggressive vignettes differently from control vignettes.
- Significant associations were found between specific Alternative Model for Personality Disorders constructs and the ratings of microaggressions.
- The study confirmed a main effect of vignette type on perception.
Conclusions:
- Personality pathology is linked to how individuals perceive microaggressions against sexual minorities.
- Findings support further research into the role of personality dysfunction in perceiving harmful behaviors.
- This research highlights a potential pathway linking personality traits to discriminatory perceptions.
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