Comparative Study of Sociogenic Need Satisfaction and Resilience between LGBTQIA+ and Cis-Heterosexual Individuals

Abstract

In India, the LGBTQIA+ community continues to face systemic barriers to inclusion in society. Although legal reforms and policies exist, their implementation remains limited, resulting in persistent discrimination and social exclusion. The study aimed to evaluate and compare the difference in resilience and sociogenic need satisfaction (SNS) between LGBTQIA+ individuals and heterosexual individuals in the Indian urban population. Convenience sample of 120 young adults (aged 20–30 years) was collected from across India, consisting of 60 cis-heterosexual and 60 LGBTQIA+ participants. Data were obtained through Google Forms using two standardized tools: the Sociogenic Need Satisfaction Scale (SNS; Chauhan & Dhar) and the Multi-dimensional Scale of Resilience (MDRS; Singh & Khullar). Independent sample t-tests were employed to analyze group differences across three variables: negative SNS, positive SNS, and resilience. LGBTQIA+ participants reported higher negative SNS and lower positive SNS compared to cis-heterosexuals. Resilience was significantly lower in the LGBTQIA+ group (M = 146.65, SD = 16.29) than in cis-heterosexuals (M = 157.37, SD = 23.49; t = 2.90, p = .004). Correlational analyses indicated small, non-significant negative associations between SNS dimensions and resilience in both groups. These concise results highlight pronounced need‑satisfaction and resilience disparities, guiding targeted support and future intervention research.