Abstract
Social climate—specifically, the level of support for sexual minorities in a given locale—helps to explain well-being among
lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. No published reports have examined whether well-being also varies as a function
of social climate for family members of LGB individuals. We present results from two studies (Study 1, n = 69; Study 2, n = 70) demonstrating that social climate predicts well-being among adults reared by LGB parents, regardless of their own sexual
orientation. Across both studies, population characteristics (e.g., density of same-sex couples in an area) emerged as the
strongest and most consistent predictors of well-being. Some variables assessing local politics (e.g., LGB hate crime policy)
also predicted well-being, though these associations were less robust. Overall, findings suggest that the social environment
for sexual minorities is an important correlate of psychological adjustment for many Americans, regardless of their sexual
orientation.
lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals. No published reports have examined whether well-being also varies as a function
of social climate for family members of LGB individuals. We present results from two studies (Study 1, n = 69; Study 2, n = 70) demonstrating that social climate predicts well-being among adults reared by LGB parents, regardless of their own sexual
orientation. Across both studies, population characteristics (e.g., density of same-sex couples in an area) emerged as the
strongest and most consistent predictors of well-being. Some variables assessing local politics (e.g., LGB hate crime policy)
also predicted well-being, though these associations were less robust. Overall, findings suggest that the social environment
for sexual minorities is an important correlate of psychological adjustment for many Americans, regardless of their sexual
orientation.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-14
- DOI 10.1007/s13178-012-0081-6
- Authors
- David J. Lick, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Samantha L. Tornello, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Rachel G. Riskind, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Karen M. Schmidt, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Charlotte J. Patterson, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Journal Sexuality Research and Social Policy
- Online ISSN 1553-6610
- Print ISSN 1868-9884