Institutional Betrayal, Gender Minority Stress, and Psychological Harm Among University Students in India

LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual) university students often encounter systemic neglect in higher education institutions, contributing to chronic emotional harm. Drawing from 480 participants across Indian universities, we used the Institutional Betrayal Questionnaire (IBQ-ED), Gender Minority Stress Measure (GMSR), and GHQ-12 to assess relationships among betrayal, minority stress, and psychological distress outcomes. Results revealed significant positive correlations, with gender minority stress fully mediating the relationship between institutional betrayal and psychological distress. These findings suggest that institutional betrayal contributes to heightened minority stress, which in turn intensifies psychological distress among queer students. The study underscores the urgent need for trauma-informed, structurally accountable interventions within Indian higher education to protect the well-being of LGBTQIA+ students.