title: Identity, stigma management, and well-being.
abstract: SUMMARY This study investigated and compared predictors of well-being in lesbians/bisexual women and gay/bisexual men. Well-being was assessed using measures of self-esteem, life satisfaction, and depression. Predictor variables included involvement in lesbian/gay/bisexual (LGB) culture, rejection of negative stereotypes of LGBs, positivity of gay/lesbian identity, and perceived acceptance by family, heterosexual friends, and work/school associates. A survey instrument was developed and distributed in the Greater Buffalo area in Spring and Summer of 1994, to which 168 lesbians and bisexual women and 152 gay and bisexual men responded. Overall, results were very similar for lesbian/bisexual women and gay/bisexual men. Having a positive LGB identity was the most robust predictor of psychological well-being in both women and men who participated in the study. In addition, rejection of negative stereotypes predicted positive LGB identity. Results are discussed within the context of lesbian/bisexual women's mental health and suggestions for research and practice are described.
authors.affiliation: a Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan , USA.
authors.forename: Riia K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Luhtanen
keywords: Lesbians; bisexuals; depression; gay men; mental health; psychological well-being; self-esteem