Links between heteronormativity dimensions and life satisfaction in Chilean lesbian, gay and bisexual university students

Abstract

Introduction: Lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) people can hold heteronormative attitudes and beliefs, which comprise assumptions regarding gender essentialism and men and women’s expected behaviours in relationships. In this population, adherence to heteronormativity may increase a sense of discrepancy between the “current” and the “ought” self. This self-discrepancy, in turn, has a negative impact on life satisfaction. The aim of this study was to examine the relationships between two dimensions of heteronormativity –gender essentialism and normative behaviours– and life satisfaction, both directly and mediated by self-discrepancy. Method: A sample of 232 LGB university students in Southern Chile answered an online questionnaire that included the Heteronormative Attitudes and Beliefs Scale, the Self-Discrepancy Index, and the Life Satisfaction Scale. Structural equation models were performed to test these relationships. Results: Gender essentialism and normative behaviour were negatively and positively associated with life satisfaction, respectively. Likewise, self-discrepancy was negatively linked to life satisfaction. The analysis showed no evidence for the mediating role of self-discrepancy in this model. Conclusion: LGB university students can adhere to different dimensions of heteronormativity, which in turn may relate differentially to life satisfaction.