Research suggests that individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or asexual (LGBTQ) may experience unique forms of marginalization and discrimination due to their identity, leading to negative mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety. One way to promote positive psychological functioning is through social engagement, which involves forming and maintaining meaningful connections with others.
There are varying degrees of social involvement within LGBTQ communities, from casual acquaintances to close friends and romantic partners. This study aims to examine how different levels of social engagement correlate with subjective well-being among LGBTQ populations using data from the National Health and Social Life Survey (NHSLS).
The NHSLS is a nationally representative survey conducted every five years in the United States, collecting data on various aspects of health and social life, including sexual orientation. The sample for this analysis includes individuals who identified as LGBTQ and provided information about their level of social engagement, defined as the frequency of contact with family members, friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Subjective well-being was measured by two questions asking participants to rate their happiness and sense of purpose in life on a scale of 1 to 5.
Results show that higher levels of social engagement were associated with greater subjective well-being, indicating that closer relationships with others can contribute to feelings of contentment and fulfillment. Specifically, those who reported daily interactions with friends and family had significantly higher scores on both measures than those who only interacted occasionally or not at all. Interestingly, the effect size was stronger for friendship compared to familial support, suggesting that friendships may be particularly important for LGBTQ mental health.
The relationship between social engagement and subjective well-being was not linear, meaning that increasing engagement did not always lead to greater benefits. Instead, there was a 'U' shape, where too little or too much engagement was associated with worse outcomes. In other words, individuals who engaged exclusively with their close-knit communities or isolated themselves experienced negative impacts on their psychological health. This pattern suggests that finding a balance between closeness and independence is key to promoting positive mental health among LGBTQ populations.
These findings suggest that promoting social engagement through community events, support groups, and online networks can benefit LGBTQ individuals. Policy interventions such as anti-discrimination laws and inclusive workplace practices can also play an essential role in creating environments where LGBTQ people feel comfortable and supported. By understanding the nuances of social engagement and its impact on well-being, we can develop more effective strategies to address the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ communities.
How do different levels of social engagement correlate with subjective well-being among LGBTQ populations?
According to recent research, there is a complex relationship between social engagement and subjective well-being among LGBTQ populations. While some studies suggest that high levels of social support may be associated with increased feelings of happiness and contentment, others have found that social isolation can also lead to negative outcomes such as depression and anxiety.