Psychological Well-being in Lesbian, Gay Men, and Bisexuals: The Effect of Perceived Discrimination In the United States

background: Recent studies report that LGB youth receive disproportionate discrimination that influence their mental wellbeing, but national research on LGB adults is absent to date. We examined the effect of life discrimination and sexual orientation on psychological well-being among adults.

methods: We used data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States II 2004-2006 (N = 3,874, 2.9% LGB). Life discrimination was measured using 11 items that inquired the frequency of discrimination experiences (5 point scale ranging from often to none). Psychological well-being was assessed using Ryff’s 6-subscale instrument. Multiple regression models were used to predict six psychological well-being variables from sexual orientation, discrimination, and their interaction. Age, sex, and education were controlled. Discrimination and psychological well-being variables were standardized.

results: The effect of discrimination on any psychological well-being variables were not dependent on sexual orientation (p > .05). Both sexual minority status (B = -0.33 to -0.21, p < .05) and higher discrimination (B = -0.13 to -0.07, p < .05) were significant unique predictors of lower environmental mastery, positive relations, purpose in life, and self-acceptance. Neither sexual orientation (p > .05) nor discrimination (p > .05) were unique predictors of autonomy and personal growth.

conclusion: LGB were more likely to have lower psychological well-being than heterosexuals even after considering their perceived discrimination. There may be factors other than discrimination that explains why sexual minorities have lower psychological well-being than heterosexuals. Effects should be taken to recognize complex psychological health in sexual minorities.