Exploring the Correlates of Personal Growth and Well-being among LGB Population

Description

Page: 253-257

Adhyatam Singh and Shruti Shourie (Department of Psychology, DAV College Sector-10 Chandigarh, India)

The present study attempted to address the multifaceted challenges faced by LGB population in India, including rising suicide rates, stigma, discrimination, abuse, social isolation, and mental health disparities. Despite recent legal advancements such as decriminalisation of homosexuality, societal and parental acceptance remains limited. These conditions create a traumatising and stressful environment for the community. Thus it is critical to find alternatives that can support their personal growth. The study aims to explore the correlations of variables that promote psychological growth and well-being within this community. The study also explores age-based differences in these variables, comparing younger (16-22 years) and older (23-32 years) groups. A total of 92 self-identified LGB individuals aged 16 to 32 years who had come out to their parents were taken up as the sample. Findings reveal that Meaning in Life was significantly and positively correlated with Coming Out Growth, highlighting its role in fostering resilience and psychological well-being. In the younger group, a significant and positive correlation was observed, underscoring the importance of sense of purpose during early adulthood. These results emphasise the critical need for targeted interventions that support LGB individuals to find meaning and purpose during the coming out process. Policymakers, mental health professionals and educators can leverage these insights to design programs that promote positive growth and wellbeing within the community.