Identity threat and identity loss among gay male Grindr users in the United Kingdom

People who experience identity loss, the complete breakdown of the identity structure, are at risk of severe psychopathology. On social networking apps, such as Grindr, users may be exposed to stressors (e.g., mistreatment, hostility, and abuse from others) that can increase their risk of identity loss. Drawing on identity process theory, a cross-sectional correlational survey study of 257 gay male Grindr users examined the effects of maladaptive self-schemas, problematic Grindr use, interpersonal stressors experienced on Grindr, and Grindr-related identity threat on identity loss. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that Grindr-related identity threat, problematic Grindr use, and avoidant attachment style were associated positively with identity loss. When identity threat was entered in the model, the interpersonal stressors ceased to be significant predictors of identity loss. Moderation analysis showed that high identity resilience and emotional support coping weakened the relationship between identity threat and identity loss. Identity threat may escalate into identity loss in the absence of effective coping resources. Interventions to enhance identity resilience and access to emotional support may buffer the harmful effects of identity threat.