Identity Formation Among Gay Men, Lesbian Women, Bisexual and Heterosexual Samples: Associations with Purpose in Life, Life Satisfaction, Pathways to Purpose and Implications for Positive Sexual Minority Identity

Abstract

Previous research has demonstrated that coherent identity formation is promotive of purpose in life and positive well-being outcomes, such as lower depression and anxiety, and higher self-esteem. However, research is needed to understand how these associations operate concerning specific identities. The current study sought to examine whether sexual identity commitment, in-depth exploration, and reconsideration were predictive of life satisfaction, purpose in life, and pathways to purpose outcomes. A sample of 273 participants (age: M = 43.49, SD = 17.35) was recruited in Canada and the United States through an online survey, answering questionnaires addressing these variables. Results indicated that greater sexual identity commitment was associated with higher levels of purpose in life and that these associations held regardless of sexual identity. Moreover, greater purpose in life was associated with more life satisfaction irrespective of sexual identity as well. Lastly, pathways to purpose (e.g. reactive purpose development) was not different based on sexual identity. Implications are discussed concerning sexual minority health and future directions for qualitative investigations.