An exploration of happiness within the Irish LGBTI community

Abstract

This paper explores factors which contribute to happiness among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) individuals as part of the largest study to date of mental health in the LGBTI community in the Republic of Ireland (LGBTIreland study). This mixed methods study informed by minority stress theory, contained an online survey (n = 2,264) which explored various aspects of mental health and distress, but also the extent and experience of happiness and concomitant factors. The survey included ratings of happiness and life-satisfaction and an open-ended question on LGBTI related happiness. Quantitative findings showed a mean happiness rating of 6.58 out of 10 (11-point scale), which is lower than the general population in Ireland. Those identifying as gay men or lesbian women rated their happiness significantly higher than bisexual, transgender, or intersex participants. There was also an effect for age: teenage LGBTI participants had significantly lower ratings than other age groups. Happiness ratings very highly correlated with life-satisfaction (.88). A multiple linear regression showed happiness was predicted most significantly by self-esteem and being in a relationship. Qualitative findings emphasized the importance of self-acceptance and peer support for happiness. Findings are discussed using the minority stress perspective and cognitive dissonance theory.

Keywords:

• Happiness
• LGBT
• self-acceptance
• minority stress
• cognitive dissonance

Note

Disclosure statement

None of the authors have reported a conflict of interest.

Ethical approval

All procedures performed in the study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.

Informed consent

Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study

Notes

1 Through the years different abbreviations have been used (LGB, LGB+, LGBT, LGBTQ, GLTB, LGBT + etc.) with different levels of inclusivity. Sometimes the term Queer (Q) is included as an umbrella term for all not fitting the heterosexual and cisgender norm, although Q has also been used to indicate ‘Questioning’. Recently the term Intersex (I) is used to indicate people born with a mix of male and female gender characteristics. The present study made use of the LGBTI term. Throughout the text of this paper the terms used in other publications as referred to in citations have been adhered to.

Additional information

Funding

The study was funded by the Irish Health Service Executive (HSE), National Office for Suicide Prevention (NOSP), (HSE does not provide grant numbers) and commissioned by GLEN (Gay and Lesbian Equality Network) and BeLonG To Youth Services.