Influence of social support, existential well-being, and stress over sexual orientation on self esteem of gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual individuals

The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of existential well-being, social support, and conflict over one's sexual orientation on gay, lesbian and bisexual (GLB) individuals' self-esteem. In addition, the study explored the effects of conservative or non-conservative religious backgrounds in the lives of the participants. The results of multiple regression suggest that stronger self-esteem is predicted by having greater sense of social support, less internal conflict over one's sexual orientation, greater sense of existential well-being, and extrinsic social orientation to religion. Religious and spiritual issues are assumed to carry universal significance for people and suggestions are made for mental health professionals who work with GLB clients in various cultures. © 2005 Springer Science + Business Media, Inc.