Communal and national resilience as predictors of happiness among young Filipino LGBTQ+ undergraduates: The mediating role of mental well-being

ABSTRACTLesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other gender and sexual minority (LGBTQ+) persons are less happy and more vulnerable to mental health risks than their cisheterosexual counterparts. Evidence suggests that resilient social systems promote the mental well-being and happiness of LGBTQ+ youth. Using the lens of capability approach, this study sought to determine the relationship between collective resilience (i.e. communal and national resilience), and happiness among young Filipino LGBTQ+ undergraduates and how these relationships are mediated by mental well-being. Drawing from an online survey sample of 340 LGBTQ+ young Filipino undergraduates, this cross-sectional study utilized mediation analysis. Results indicate that communal and national resilience significantly positively predict happiness among LGBTQ+ respondents. Moreover, mental well-being partially mediates communal resilience and happiness (36.84%), and fully mediates national resilience and happiness. Findings signify the importance of collective resilience as facilitators of positive mental health and ultimately, happiness among LGBTQ+ youth.KEYWORDS: Cross-sectional studieshappinessmental healthresiliencesexual and gender minoritiesyouth AcknowledgmentsThe researcher would like to thank all of the student respondents who participated in the study.Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).