Examining psychological factors that might affect mental health of-middle aged and older adult LGBTQI+ people

Διερεύνηση βασικών ψυχολογικών παραγόντων που θα μπορούσαν να απειλήσουν την ψυχική υγεία μεσηλίκων και ηλικιωμένων ΛΟΑΤΚΙ+ ατόμων (ελληνικά)
Published: Aug 20, 2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12681/jret.31326
Keywords:
Depression Loneliness Mental health Self-esteem Sexual stigma
Νεφέλη Ευλαμπία Τσουκάκη
a:1:{s:5:"el_GR";s:74:"Αριστοτέλειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θεσσαλονίκης";}
Ioannis Zerniotis
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Despina Moraitou
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Abstract

 Research has shown that minority groups in society are exposed to psychological pressure and difficulties. The fact that LGBTQI+ middle-aged and elderly people constitute a sexual minority, increases the likelihood of experiencing mental discomfort. The aim of this study was to investigate psychological factors that may play a role in the subjective well-being of older members of the LGBTQI+ community, namely, sexual orientation, loneliness, self-esteem and mood. The sample of the study consisted of 58 adults, aged 35-67 years, who were given online self-report questionnaires. The results showed that the level of these factors is "normal", with the exception of general mental health. The relationships with the other factors highlight potential vulnerabilities that need to be addressed, so that the older members of the LGBTQI+ community in Greece can maintain their mental health.

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