Toxicity in the trans debate: what are the psychological phenomena that turn an issue of mental health and social inclusion into a forum for vitriolically vicious social exclusion?

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to explore and document some of the phenomena that seem to have toxified the trans debate.

Design/methodology/approach

To create a partial compilation of the phenomena most known to cloud human judgement and reasoning, using the trans debate as the prime example.

Findings

The trans debate seems to have been increasingly toxified in ways predicted by well-documented psychological phenomena.

Research limitations/implications

Although much is known about the psychological toxifiers on an individual basis, little is known about how they interact to cause the emergence and amplification of toxic debate.

Practical implications

It is anticipated by studying the emergence of the toxicity around the trans debate, that the descent into toxic discourse in many other contexts can be better understood.

Social implications

If lessons can be learnt from the descent into toxicity in the trans debate, and its participants become aware of their behaviour, perhaps they can better work towards a mutually acceptable solution.

Originality/value

By compiling the factors responsible for the toxification of debate, it is hoped that what appear to be the precursors of all conflict and war can be better understood, prevented or avoided.

Citation

MacLennan, N. (2024), "Toxicity in the trans debate: what are the psychological phenomena that turn an issue of mental health and social inclusion into a forum for vitriolically vicious social exclusion?", Mental Health and Social Inclusion, Vol. 28 No. 6, pp. 1451-1462. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHSI-05-2024-0072