Stigmatization of minority and marginalized populations remains a prevalent societal challenge, particularly within multicultural contexts such as India. This research focuses on examining the intricate interplay between perceived stigma, intergroup trust, and the perception of harmonious intergroup relationships, specifically among Eunuchs in the Indian setting. The study was guided by three primary objectives: (1) to evaluate the extent of perceived stigma, levels of intergroup trust, and perceptions of harmonious intergroup relations among Eunuchs; (2) to analyze the relationships between perceived stigma and intergroup trust, perceived stigma and intergroup harmony, as well as the connection between intergroup trust and intergroup harmony; and (3) to explore whether intergroup trust mediates the relationship between perceived stigma and perceived intergroup harmony.


Using a quantitative correlational design, data were collected from 150 participants residing in Meerut, India. The analysis involved statistical techniques such as correlation and mediation analysis to evaluate the hypothesized associations. Findings revealed that higher levels of perceived stigma were significantly associated with lower intergroup trust and diminished perceptions of harmonious intergroup relations. In contrast, intergroup trust demonstrated a positive association with perceptions of intergroup harmony. Mediation analysis further showed that intergroup trust played a significant mediating role in the link between perceived stigma and perceived intergroup harmony.


Overall, the study emphasizes the pivotal function of intergroup trust in reducing the detrimental impact of stigma and enhancing social harmony in diverse societies. It calls attention to the need for targeted interventions that promote trust-building and reduce stigma to foster healthier intergroup dynamics in the Indian context.