Social identification dimensions, sources of discrimination, and sexuality support as correlates of well-being among sexual minorities

Abstract

Sexual minorities experience poorer well-being compared to their heterosexual peers, with discrimination explaining some of this disparity. However, according to the rejection identification model (RIM; Branscombe et al., 1999), this impact of discrimination can be mitigated by minority social identification. The aim of the current study was to test the associations of discrimination and social identification with well-being (measured as psychological distress, loneliness, and life satisfaction) among sexual minorities, and to expand on past research by considering multiple dimensions of social identification and the unique roles of family discrimination and peer sexuality support in well-being. A survey was completed by 184 young adult cisgender gay men and lesbian women aged 18–30 years (M = 22.78, SD = 3.49). Different than proposed in the RIM, there were no indirect associations of discrimination (either from family or from others) with well-being via social identification. However, family discrimination was directly related to poorer well-being, and peer sexuality support was indirectly related to less psychological distress and loneliness through one component of minority identification (ingroup affect).