Life Satisfaction, Self-Esteem, and Loneliness Among LGB Adults and Heterosexual Adults in China. Issue 1 (2nd January 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hu, Jingchu; Hu, Jize; Huang, Gang; Zheng, Xifu
• Is Part Of: Journal of homosexuality. Volume 63:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 72
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2016-01-02
• Subjects: Chinese heterosexual adults -- Chinese LGB adults -- cross-sectional study -- life satisfaction -- loneliness -- quantitative research -- self-esteem; Homosexuality -- Periodicals; 306.766
• DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2015.1078651
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0091-8369

Abstract

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.