Social Support, Attitudes toward Sexuality, and Life Satisfaction Based on the Sexual Orientation of University Students

Abstract

Objective. To examine the relationship among perceived social support, attitude towards sexuality, and life satisfaction of heterosexual and lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) university students in Temuco, Chile. Method. A non-probabilistic sample of 281 university students (70.8% heterosexual, 29.2% LGB) answered an online questionnaire. Results. There were no significant differences between heterosexual and LGB students in attitude towards sexuality or life satisfaction. Heterosexual students reported greater social support from their family than LGB students; both groups reported equal support from friends. Only social support was a predictor of life satisfaction. These results indicate the importance of strengthening social support from different sources to contribute to the subjective well-being of students of different sexual orientations.