Life Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, and Loneliness Among LGB Adults and Heterosexual Adults in China

Abstract

Low levels of life satisfaction have been linked to low self-esteem and loneliness, but this association has never been tested directly in LGB (lesbian/gay/bisexual) populations. We compared 275 Chinese LGB adults to 275 demographic-matched Chinese heterosexual controls on life satisfaction, self-esteem, and loneliness. LGB adults reported lower levels of self-esteem and higher levels of loneliness than heterosexuals, but similar levels of overall life satisfaction. Self-esteem partially mediated (but did not moderate) the relationship between loneliness and life satisfaction in both groups. Hierarchical regressions indicated that demographic variables, loneliness, and self-esteem can predict life satisfaction in both LGB and heterosexual adults, but explained more variance of life satisfaction in the LGB group. Thus self-esteem and loneliness play a more important role in life satisfaction for LGB rather than heterosexual Chinese adults.

Indicadores de bem-estar subjetivo e saúde mental em mulheres de diferentes orientações sexuais

“…A bifobia pode impactar as crenças a respeito da bissexualidade (como "bissexualidade é uma fase" e "pessoas bissexuais são promíscuas", por exemplo (Diener, Emmons, Larsen, & Griffin, 1985). Em pessoas LGB, a autoestima e a solidão estão, respectivamente, positiva e negativamente associadas à satisfação com a vida (Hu, Hu, Huang, & Zheng, 2016 baixas diferenças entre os grupos se justificam: sendo a orientação sexual apenas uma característica dentre muitas que são parte da realidade humana, e a única (dentre as variáveis analisadas) que dá às respondentes experiências de vida diferentes, devido ao estigma associado às orientações não heterossexuais.…”

The One-Child Policy, Elder Care, and LGB Chinese: A Social Policy Explanation for Family Pressure

“…LGB Chinese consistently report family pressure as the greatest challenge they face in their daily lives. (Hu et al, 2016;UNDP, 2016;Liu, 2013;Chow and Cheng, 2010;Engebretsen, 2009). Family pressure can include (but is not limited to) the explicit or implicit expectation to conform to traditional norms, notably opposite-sex marriage The one-child policy, eldercare, and LGB Chinese 5 and procreation.…”

“…There has been limited survey research into family pressure amongst LGB Chinese, but some recent work build upon this author's findings. Two recent 2016 surveys of lesbian, gay and bisexual Chinese found that discrimination was most frequently experienced at home from their families (Hu et al, 2016;UNDP, 2016).…”

“…Family pressure on LGB people worldwide is a concern because it can lead to social ostracism, decreased work productivity, drug abuse and suicide (Hammelman, 1993;D'Augelli et al, 2001;Remafedi et al, 1991). In China, LGB people report significantly higher degree of loneliness and lower self-esteem than their heterosexual counterparts (Hu et al, 2016). They report that if they 'came out' they would be isolated from society, and feel as though they are not 'whole persons' (Chou, 2001).…”

“…While scholars in this journal have highlighted the pressure felt by LGB Chinese (e.g., Hu et al, 2016;Chou, 2001), studies that explain the policy causes of it are rare The one-child policy, eldercare, and LGB Chinese 3 (e.g., UNDP, 2016). Even then, attention is paid to only one particular policy, such as the one-child policy.…”