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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?

Nigel MacLennan (School of Education and Psychology, University of Bolton, Bolton, UK)

Mental Health and Social Inclusion

ISSN: 2042-8308

Article publication date: 20 June 2024

Issue publication date: 3 December 2024

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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.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author has received no funding of any kind for this work, and has no affiliation with any group on any side of the trans debate. His declared motive is to study the toxicity in the trans debate to better understand the causes of toxic discourse and antecedents of conflict more widely.

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

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2024, Emerald Publishing Limited

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