Discrimination, Resilience, and Psychological Well-Being Among LGBT Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Nasrolah  Amil,

Discrimination, Resilience, and Psychological Well-Being Among LGBT Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract:

This study investigated the relationship between discrimination, resilience, and psychological well-being among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) adults to understand how resilience functions as a protective factor in the face of stigma and prejudice. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional design, data were gathered from 100 LGBT respondents through a structured survey questionnaire. The instrument consisted of four sections: demographic profile, experiences of discrimination, resilience (measured through items adapted from the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale), and psychological well-being (assessed through Ryff’s Psychological Well-Being Scales). Descriptive statistics, including mean, median, and mode, were used to describe respondent demographics and patterns of responses, while inferential statistics were employed to test the relationships among the study variables. The results revealed that LGBT individuals continue to face moderate levels of discrimination in various aspects of their lives, including social interactions, employment, and community settings. These experiences were found to have a negative impact on psychological well-being, manifesting in increased stress, lower levels of self-acceptance, and reduced life satisfaction. Despite these challenges, resilience was found to play a vital buffering role. Respondents with higher levels of resilience maintained better psychological health outcomes, demonstrating greater adaptability, coping skills, and optimism even in the presence of discriminatory experiences. The findings provide empirical support for the Minority Stress Theory (Meyer, 2003), which emphasizes that sexual and gender minorities are vulnerable to unique stressors resulting from stigma, as well as the resilience framework (Connor & Davidson, 2003), which highlights individuals’ capacity to overcome adversity. The study underscores the importance of implementing programs, policies, and community initiatives that strengthen resilience among LGBT individuals. Such interventions have the potential to improve mental health outcomes and overall well-being, even within environments where discrimination persists. Ultimately, this research underscores the necessity for inclusive strategies that not only mitigate discrimination but also foster resilience within LGBT communities.

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