# The Hidden Cost of Courage: How Oppositional Courage Shapes Trans Employees’ Diminished Image Belief The unexpected effects of courageous acts on trans employees. - **Source:** [Journal of Applied Psychology](https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/apl) - **Published:** 2026-02-19 - **Topic:** [People & Culture](https://brifing.si/c/people) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/4ef034de-d86c-4d92-9e53-f7c11135902c ## The Double-Edged Sword of Courage Courageous acts in the workplace can bring both benefits and unintended consequences. Research shows that such acts convey a message of value to marginalized employees. However, these brave actions also carry social implications. Trans employees, in particular, worry that these behaviors might portray them as weak. ## Perceived Weakness Courageous acts can signal the actor's strength, creating a 'weakness perception' among marginalized employees. This concern varies depending on the actor's humility. Research explores how humility influences these dynamics. ## Research Methods The study used data from 959 trans employees in a three-phase research approach. The first study identified three behavioral themes of humility through qualitative analysis. The second study tested hypotheses experimentally. The third study replicated results with a time-lagged survey. ## Scale Development Supplemental studies focused on developing a humility scale. This scale aims to measure how courageous acts are perceived. Two additional experiments tested the scale's validity. Results partially supported the model. ## Findings and Implications The research highlighted the effects of courageous acts on trans employees. These acts can increase the perceived weakness concern. Humility plays a crucial role in mitigating this effect. The findings suggest new pathways for workplace inclusion strategies. ## Future Research The study lays the groundwork for future research on the social consequences of courageous acts. The role of humility, in particular, warrants deeper exploration. These studies could enhance workplace inclusion practices. ## Practical Recommendations Those who exhibit courageous acts in the workplace can reduce negative effects by increasing their humility. Leaders can organize training to understand how these acts are perceived. This can help create a more inclusive workplace environment. ## Summary and Conclusions Courageous acts can support disadvantaged groups in the workplace while also bringing unintended consequences. Trans employees worry that these acts might portray them as weak. Humility plays a key role in mitigating this effect. These findings invite a rethinking of workplace inclusion strategies. ## Sources covering this story - http://doi.org/10.1037/apl0001374 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._