Does Meaning-in-Life or Self-Compassion Influence LGBTQ+ Identity or Outness?

Abstract

There is a dearth of research on the impact meaning-in-life and self-compassion have on LGBTQ+ identity development and outness. Research suggests those with more positive psychological states are better able to navigate minority stress. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship among the two predictor variables (self-compassion and meaning-in-life) on the dependent variables (LGBTQ+ identity and outness). Meaning-in-life was found to be the most reliable predictor, while self-compassion as a predictor showed mixed results. The results of this evaluation provide implications for counseling practitioners in their work with LGBTQ+ clients, including the promotion of positive psychological factors.

Keywords:

• LGBTQ+ positive identity
• outness
• self-compassion
• meaning-in-life

Acknowledgment

This research had no external funding.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).