Differences in well-being between sexual minority and heterosexual college students

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis study examines differences in well-being between sexual minority and heterosexual college students and identifies factors associated with well-being among sexual minority college students. A secondary analysis of cross-sectional web-based survey data was conducted. Using propensity score matching, 43 sexual minority students were matched to 43 heterosexual students on age, race, sex, and year in school. Sexual minorities had significantly lower well-being scores compared to heterosexual college students. Among sexual minorities, physical activity, depression, thoughts of suicide, and sleep quality were all predictive of well-being. Understanding issues related to well-being among sexual minorities is important and strategies need to be developed to improve well-being.