SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE, 20th June (EUROPA PRESS) –
Bisexual individuals exhibit poorer health, lower self-esteem, and a less positive perception of their own well-being compared to other demographics, as per a recent study published in the journal ‘Healthcare’. This research is a part of a doctoral thesis that will soon be presented by doctoral candidate Roberto Matías, who co-wrote the article with University of La Laguna’s Psychology professor, Pilar Matud.
Past studies have highlighted the higher risk of physical and mental health issues in lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. However, these studies have typically focused on examining the presence of conditions such as anxiety and depression without considering differences in overall well-being. Moreover, LGB individuals have often been treated as a homogeneous group, disregarding potential distinctions between various sexual orientations and genders.
Thus, Pilar Matud and Roberto Matías undertook this study with a dual purpose: to explore the impact of sexual orientation on the health and well-being of both genders and to pinpoint factors that safeguard against or contribute to psychological distress, self-perceived health, and overall well-being in gay men, lesbian women, bisexual individuals, and heterosexual individuals.
The study encompassed 747 LGB individuals and another 747 heterosexual individuals aged between 16 and 47 years. Care was taken to ensure minimal variations in terms of age, ethnicity, education levels, occupation, and gender distribution between the two groups. The assessment was conducted online using eight questionnaires that gauged factors like psychological distress, self-rated health, well-being, self-esteem, stress resilience, social support, fear of negative evaluation, and homonegativity.
The sample was assembled through the social networks of the research team, a substantial number of collaborating students, and the State Federation of Lesbians, Gays, Trans, Bisexuals, and Intersexuals (FELGTBI+).
RESEARCH FINDINGS
The findings revealed significant diversity in the health and well-being of all groups. While variances existed based on sexual orientation and gender, these deviations were generally minor and contingent on the specific health parameter being evaluated. Furthermore, the impact of sexual orientation varied between genders in most aspects.
For instance, heterosexual men exhibited lower psychological distress compared to other groups, while no distinctions were observed between heterosexual women and LGB individuals. Life satisfaction levels were akin in lesbian women and heterosexual individuals, surpassing those of bisexual individuals and gay men. Heterosexual men displayed greater stress resilience than other groups, and gay men exhibited higher resilience compared to bisexual men, although no significant resilience differences were noted among women. Fear of negative evaluation was similar in heterosexual men and lesbian women, both registering lower levels compared to other groups.
Women reported higher levels of perceived social support than men, with heterosexual individuals reporting the greatest social support among the male cohort. Homosexual men demonstrated greater homonegativity than other groups, with no variance in homonegativity between homosexuals and bisexual individuals.
As aforementioned, bisexual individuals presented worse health conditions, lower self-assurance in their health, and diminished self-esteem. Across all demographics, self-esteem emerged as a protective factor against psychological distress and correlated with enhanced health and well-being. To a lesser extent, social support also served as a protective element against psychological distress and was linked to improved well-being in all groups.
In essence, whilst sexual orientation influences individual health and well-being, gender similarly plays a vital role. Furthermore, disparities exist among sexual minorities, notably with bisexual individuals displaying lower self-confidence than homosexual individuals. The outcomes suggesting an interaction between sexual orientation and gender across most analysed health and well-being indicators underscore the significance of psychosocial elements in enhancing overall health and well-being.
Consequently, the research team suggests that these findings be incorporated into educational programmes and public policies aimed at fostering greater parity and well-being for all individuals, particularly those belonging to sexual minorities and women.
MINORITY STRESS.
The inferior health status of LGB individuals has been linked to minority stress, a theory proposed by Meyer nearly three decades ago. This theory posits that in a heterosexist society, LGB individuals encounter persistent stress triggered by their stigmatisation, which encompasses internalised homophobia, societal stigma, and experiences of violence and discrimination. This accumulated stress is purportedly responsible for their substandard physical and mental health.
Over the last two decades, numerous countries, including Spain, have witnessed significant legislative changes recognising the rights of LGB individuals. Therefore, it is pertinent to investigate whether disparities in health and well-being persist based on sexual orientation and identify the protective and risk factors impacting health and well-being.
