Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the Cognitive Science Society

Identity labels are embedded in social hierarchies that constrain how intersectional identities can be expressed, often producing dissatisfaction among minoritized individuals. Drawing on the ADDRESSING model framework, this qualitative study (n = 12) explored how individuals with multiple minoritized identities express and conceal aspects of themselves through nonverbal and interpersonal cues. Semi_structured interviews revealed that participants continuously navigate competing identity expectations and engage in vigilant safety_cue monitoring during social interactions, which we interpret as involving adaptive use of social_cognitive processes such as Theory of Mind (ToM) to anticipate prejudice. Thematic results indicate that intersectionality is associated with unique psychological burdens, particularly inner dissatisfaction when lived experience conflicts with rigid categorical labels. Within this sample, the polycultural context of Hawai_i appeared to offer potential protective factors, with participants describing collectivistic orientations as linked to greater awareness of possible prejudicial mindsets but lower reported expectations and experiences of discrimination.