Character strengths and their associations with well-being and mental distress among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer individuals

Abstract

This study examined the character strengths associated with higher well-being and lower mental distress among 404 LGBQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer) individuals. Results indicated that out of the 24 character strengths tested, hope, love, perseverance, gratitude, and social intelligence were positively associated with well-being. Furthermore, hope, zest, and self-regulation were negatively related to lower mental distress, whereas appreciation of beauty and excellence was positively associated with mental distress. These findings could inform innovative strengths-based interventions designed to promote better mental health in LGBQ people, which is an untapped resource in the fields of positive psychology and LGBQ psychology.

Keywords:

• Character strengths
• LGBQ
• mental distress
• strengths-based interventions
• well-being

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to express their deepest gratitude to the Values in Action (VIA) Institute on Character for their continued support in making this project possible. We would also like to thank Drs. Mark Hatzenbuehler, Ilan Meyer, George Bonanno, and Patrick Wilson for the guidance in designing and conducting this study. Additional thanks are extended to Anna Sompolski, Caitlin Monahan, and Alison Walensky who were integrally involved in the implementation of the study.

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by the generosity of the American Psychological Foundation’s Visionary Funds Grant, the American Psychological Association Division 17 (Counseling) Section on Positive Psychology Student Research Award, and the Kinsey Institute Student Research Grant Award.