How participation in activism affects the mental health of stigmatised groups: a systematic review

Stigmatised groups tend to suffer worse mental health. One problem faced by members of stigmatised groups is self-stigma, the internalisation of negative stereotypes. Research has shown that increased empowerment and a positive group identity can reduce self-stigma and its consequences. Research on the mental health consequences of collective action, or activism, suggests that participation in activism can improve wellbeing by providing empowerment and social identification. No review to date has looked specifically at the wellbeing effects of activism for stigmatised groups. A mixed-methods systematic review was conducted which sought to identify the consequences of participation in activism for the mental health of individuals facing stigma on the basis of race, sexuality, gender, and health status. The literature search identified 36 articles: 24 quantitative, 10 qualitative, and one using mixed methods. A convergent integrated approach was utilised and eight synthesised themes were generated covering direct associations, buffering and exacerbating effects, positive and negative mechanisms, and moderating factors. The most commonly reported beneficial effects of activism were enhanced empowerment, wellbeing, and buffering against the impact of discrimination. The most commonly reported detrimental effects of activism were burnout and increased depression. A number of promising directions for future research are identified.