>> In three studies conducted among the gay community and one study conducted among Black Americans, in-group identification appeared to offer a protective role against the harmful effects of discrimination. The research, published in the European Journal of Social Psychology, further explored the mechanism behind this protective function. >> The mental health consequences of discrimination have been well-documented in the literature. Evidence has also emerged suggesting that reinforcing one’s group membership may offer a protective role against these harmful psychological effects. >> A series of studies led by researcher David Bourguignon aimed to uncover the coping mechanisms that might help explain why group identification is linked to greater psychological well-being among members of stigmatized groups. The authors propose that while engagement strategies that involve leaning into the in-group for support should be beneficial against discrimination, disengagement strategies that involve distancing oneself from the stigmatized group should be unhelpful. >> An initial three studies were conducted among three separate samples of gay men and women in Europe and North America. In all three studies, the participants completed questionnaires that assessed their perceptions of discrimination, their group identification, their use of various coping strategies, and their psychological well-being.