Happiness and Mental Health in the LGBT community in Ireland

Background Concerns about mental health within the LGBT community worldwide has prompted a significant body of research. A 2009 survey in Ireland on Mental health in the LGBT community demonstrated progress in comparison with... [ view full abstract ]

Background
Concerns about mental health within the LGBT community worldwide has prompted a significant body of research. A 2009 survey in Ireland on Mental health in the LGBT community demonstrated progress in comparison with earlier studies, but also lingering worries. The need for a follow-up led to the LGBTIreland study (2016), a two pronged effort in which (a) a representative sample of the general public (n=1,008) was interviewed by telephone on their attitudes towards LGBT; and (b) a sample of the LGBT community (n=2,264) was surveyed on-line on their mental health and wellness. A section on Happiness, the topic for this presentation, was included.

Study aim
Establish the extent of happiness and concomitant factors in the LGBT community in Ireland.

Method
An on-line survey containing scale-based and open questions was publicised through LGBT organisations. The survey included ratings of happiness and an open question on what made participants happy and proud about being LGBT. A total of 1308 participants (58%) provided rich responses. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of the quantitative data and Thematic Analysis of the qualitative data were performed.

Findings
Quantitative findings showed a mean happiness rating of 7 out of 10, with fewer than 25% rating as unhappy. A Multiple Regression showed that variations in happiness were most significantly predicted by self-esteem and inversely by depression ratings. Also, younger participants demonstrated significantly more unhappiness.
The qualitative results established that most participants perceived happiness as related to their identity being accepted by themselves and receiving support from the LGBT community. Also highlighted were partners and personal growth. Interestingly, to have one’s identity accepted by oneself was mentioned over three times more often than being accepted by others.

Conclusions and Implications
These findings must be considered within the full context of the LGBTIreland study which highlights a high incidence of mental health problems and pressing concerns particularly regarding mental health in LGBT teenagers. The findings on happiness confirm the predicament of teenage participants and suggest that overcoming mental health issues may be helped by enhancing self-esteem through self-acceptance of LGBT identity and seeking support from the LGBT community.