Association Between Social Support, Family Environment, and Psychological Well-Being among LGBTQ+ Individuals: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Sexual and gender minority populations (LGBTQ+) experience stigma, discrimination, and social exclusion that severely impact their psychological well-being. The presence of social support and an affirming family environment are among the most powerful buffers against such minority stress. The present study explores the association among social support, family environment, and psychological well-being in LGBTQ+ individuals, with additional comparisons by occupational status and family structure (joint vs. nuclear). A cross-sectional correlational design was adopted, involving 100 LGBTQ+ participants selected through purposive sampling. The tools used were the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Vohra’s Family Environment Scale (FES), and Ryff’s 42-item Psychological Well-Being (PWB) scale. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS 20 using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and independent-samples t-tests. Findings revealed strong positive correlations between perceived social support and multiple family environment dimensions such as cohesion, expressiveness, moral orientation, and organization. Social support also demonstrated a strong relationship with overall psychological well-being (r = 0.822, p < .001). Participants from joint families and those who were employed reported significantly higher PWB and social support than their counterparts. These results highlight that a cohesive and accepting family environment—combined with external social resources—enhances resilience and psychological functioning in LGBTQ+ individuals. The study emphasizes the urgent need for awareness, inclusive family-based interventions, and community programs that foster acceptance and support for gender and sexual minorities in India.