Research has shown that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) service members face unique challenges when it comes to managing their identities while serving in the military. These challenges can impact their mental health, physical well-being, and ability to form meaningful relationships both within and outside of the armed forces. In this article, I will discuss three psychosocial factors - resilience, relational satisfaction, and identity integration - that predict successful outcomes for LGBT service members.
Resilience:
Resilience is the ability to cope with and overcome adversity. It involves an individual's capacity to bounce back from difficult situations and emerge stronger than before. Psychological resilience is often associated with positive mental health outcomes such as reduced anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
There are also several other psychosocial factors that contribute to resilience among LGBT service members. One such factor is self-esteem, which refers to how individuals view themselves positively or negatively. High levels of self-esteem have been linked to greater resiliency in response to stressors.
Social support is another important factor in building resilience. Social support can come from family members, friends, colleagues, or even online communities. Research suggests that LGBT service members who feel supported by their peers and superiors tend to be more resilient when faced with challenges related to their sexual orientation.
Relational Satisfaction:
Relationships are essential for human survival and happiness. They provide us with emotional support, companionship, and a sense of belonging. For LGBT service members, forming relationships can be especially challenging due to societal stigma and discrimination.
Research has shown that those who are able to find meaningful connections within the military community tend to report higher levels of relational satisfaction. This includes both romantic partnerships and platonic friendships. Building strong relationships requires effective communication skills, empathy, and mutual respect. LGBT service members who prioritize these qualities in their interactions tend to experience greater relational satisfaction.
Identity Integration:
Identity integration involves reconciling one's internal beliefs and values with external expectations and pressures. It can be particularly difficult for LGBT service members who must balance their identities as soldiers and as members of the LGBT community. Those who successfully integrate their identities tend to have better mental health outcomes and higher quality of life. This includes increased self-acceptance, reduced anxiety, and improved overall well-being. One strategy for identity integration is to connect with other LGBT individuals in the military, either through formal organizations such as GLAAD or informal networks among colleagues. By creating a sense of community and belonging, LGBT service members can begin to feel more comfortable expressing their true selves and integrating their various identities.
Which psychosocial factors predict successful resilience, relational satisfaction, and identity integration among LGBT service members?
Although research on resilience, relational satisfaction, and identity integration among LGBT service members is still limited, there are some factors that have been associated with these outcomes. Studies suggest that positive coping strategies such as problem-solving, social support, self-efficacy, and optimism can promote resilience. Relational satisfaction may be promoted by strong communication skills, effective conflict resolution techniques, and mutual respect between partners.