Publication Date

2015-08-05

Availability

Embargoed

Embargo Period

2017-08-04

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PHD)

Department

Educational and Psychological Studies (Education)

Date of Defense

2015-06-30

First Committee Member

Blaine J. Fowers

Second Committee Member

Laura P. Kohn-Wood

Third Committee Member

Debbiesiu L. Lee

Fourth Committee Member

Joseph P. De Santis

Abstract

Minority stress processes that include perceived discrimination, expectations of rejection, internalized homophobia and concealment of sexual orientation have been previously linked to psychological distress but not much is known about their relationship with hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. In this study, hedonic well-being was defined as satisfaction with life, the presence of positive affect and absence of negative affect. Eudaimonic well-being was defined as purpose in life, personal growth and positive relations with others. Additionally, not much is known about their relationship with authenticity which has been deemed necessary for optimal human functioning, and positive gay identity. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between minority stress and well-being and whether authenticity mediated this relationship in a sample of 226 self-identified gay men surveyed via the internet. Findings suggest that authenticity fully mediated the relationships between internalized homophobia and both well-being outcomes. Authenticity fully mediated the relationship between concealment and hedonic well-being and partially mediated the relationship between concealment and eudaimonic well-being. Expectations of rejection was significantly associated with both hedonic and eudaimonic well-being but not authenticity. Perceived discrimination was not significantly associated with authenticity or either well-being outcomes. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Keywords

Minority Stress; Authenticity; Hedonic Well-Being; Eudaimonic Well-Being; Gay Men; Mediation

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