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Gay Networks, Greater Happiness? Associations Between Gay and Heterosexual Social Capital and Subjective Happiness Among MSM in Japan

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  • Adam O. Hill

    (School of Medicine, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan
    Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia)

  • Gregory Armstrong

    (Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Noriyo Kaneko

    (School of Medicine, Nagoya City University, Nagoya 467-8601, Japan)

  • Mayumi Imahashi

    (Clinical Research Centre, Department of Infections and Immunology, National Hospital Organisation, Nagoya Medical Centre, Nagoya 460-0001, Japan)

  • Stuart Gilmour

    (Graduate School of Public Health, St Luke’s International University, Tokyo 104-0044, Japan)

  • Yoji Inoue

    (Accelight Inc., Tokyo 113-0033, Japan)

  • Adam Bourne

    (Australian Research Centre in Sex, Health and Society, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
    Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia)

  • Michiko Takaku

    (School of Nursing, Gifu University of Health Sciences, Gifu 501-3822, Japan)

  • Benjamin Bavinton

    (Kirby Institute, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia)

Abstract

Background: Men who have sex with men (MSM) in Japan, and globally, face disparities in mental health and well-being, driven by stigma, exclusion, and minority stress. While social capital is known to enhance well-being, no previous research has examined the distinct roles of gay versus heterosexual social capital in relation to subjective happiness. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional online survey of 1564 MSM in Greater Tokyo, using geosocial networking applications. Social capital was measured using an adapted Resource Generator to assess access to resources from MSM and heterosexual network members. Subjective happiness was assessed using the Japanese version of the Subjective Happiness Scale. Multivariable linear regression identified correlates of happiness. Results: Gay social capital was the strongest predictor of subjective happiness, exceeding the effects of self-rated health, education, employment, and age. High levels of heterosexual social capital were also associated with greater happiness but to a lesser extent. Unemployment, poor health, and attendance at gay cruising venues were negatively associated with happiness. Conclusions: These findings provide the first global evidence of the differential associations between gay and heterosexual social capital on subjective happiness. Community-based interventions that affirm identity and build peer connection may substantially improve well-being among MSM in Japan.

Suggested Citation

  • Adam O. Hill & Gregory Armstrong & Noriyo Kaneko & Mayumi Imahashi & Stuart Gilmour & Yoji Inoue & Adam Bourne & Michiko Takaku & Benjamin Bavinton, 2025. "Gay Networks, Greater Happiness? Associations Between Gay and Heterosexual Social Capital and Subjective Happiness Among MSM in Japan," Social Sciences, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-14, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jscscx:v:14:y:2025:i:6:p:381-:d:1680594
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Kawachi, I. & Kennedy, B.P. & Glass, R., 1999. "Social capital and self-rated health: A contextual analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 89(8), pages 1187-1193.
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