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The Effect of Perceived Social Support on the Mental Health of Homosexuals: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy

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  • Weigang Pan

    (Laboratory of Emotion and Mental Health, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yujie Zhao

    (Laboratory of Emotion and Mental Health, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Yihong Long

    (School of Public Administration, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510641, China
    College of National Culture and Cognitive Science, Guizhou Minzu University, Guiyang 550025, China)

  • Ying Wang

    (Laboratory of Emotion and Mental Health, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China)

  • Yingzhi Ma

    (Laboratory of Emotion and Mental Health, Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, China)

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the mental health of homosexual adults in China and to explore the effects of perceived social support and self-efficacy on mental health. Methods: Two hundred and nine homosexuals were recruited to participate in the online survey. The Perceived Social Support Scale, General Self-efficacy Scale, Self-rating Anxiety Scale and Self-rating Depression Scale were completed through a questionnaire website. Correlation analysis and mediation analysis were used to investigate the relationship between perceived social support, self-efficacy and mental health of homosexuals. Results: Description analysis showed the following: (1) In this study, 53.9% of the participants had depression symptoms and 46.7% had anxiety problems; (2) perceived social support, self-efficacy, anxiety and depression were significantly related to each other. The mediation effect analysis found that self-efficacy mediates between perceived social support and depression but does not mediate between perceived social support and anxiety. Conclusions: The results demonstrated that in the context of Chinese collectivist culture, homosexuals have certain mental health problems, and their perceived social support and self-efficacy are critical protective factors for mental health. Our findings highlight the need to further strengthen social support and self-efficacy in mental health services for Chinese homosexuals.

Suggested Citation

  • Weigang Pan & Yujie Zhao & Yihong Long & Ying Wang & Yingzhi Ma, 2022. "The Effect of Perceived Social Support on the Mental Health of Homosexuals: The Mediating Role of Self-Efficacy," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(23), pages 1-12, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:23:p:15524-:d:981372
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Xiaojun Liu & Dongdong Jiang & Xiangfan Chen & Anran Tan & Yitan Hou & Meikun He & Yuanan Lu & Zongfu Mao, 2018. "Mental Health Status and Associated Contributing Factors among Gay Men in China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-11, May.
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