Psychological well-being, Identity crisis and Resilience of sexual minority students in a South African University

Abstract

Historically, any stigma surrounding sexuality places a burden on individuals who do not self-identify as heterosexuals collectively referred to as "sexual minority". Sexual minority university students possess multiple identities due to experiences of discrimination and victimization on university campuses (Mays & Cochran, 2000). These minority groups appear to have higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and suicidal behaviour when compared to heterosexual students. This stigrnatisation and victimisation has led to the current study focusing on the psychological wellbeing, identity crisis and resilience of sexual minority students in a South African University. The researcher followed a narrative oriented design within the qualitative research approach. Data was collected through a narrative oriented design that allowed the researcher to dig deeper into the life experiences of the students from both individual and collective perspectives. Data was analysed thematically and feelings, values and meanings were connected through ideas and personal view points. Snowball sampling was used. The sample consisted of 11 African students, 4 gays and 7 lesbians with an age range between 19 and 24 years were recruited from different faculties and levels of study. Three major themes were extracted during analysis and the principal outcome of the study was that homosexuals have a major challenge in their future in the work industry. The results also indicated a poor psychological wellbeing with the students, some identity crisis and moderate resilience.