Communal and national resilience as predictors of happiness among young Filipino LGBTQ+ undergraduates: The mediating role of mental well-being

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer, and other gender and sexual minority (LGBTQ+) persons are less happy and more vulnerable to mental health risks than their cisheterosexual counterparts. Evidence suggests that resilient social systems promote the mental well-being and happiness of LGBTQ+ youth. Using the lens of capability approach, this study sought to determine the relationship between collective resilience (i.e. communal and national resilience), and happiness among young Filipino LGBTQ+ undergraduates and how these relationships are mediated by mental well-being. Drawing from an online survey sample of 340 LGBTQ+ young Filipino undergraduates, this cross-sectional study utilized mediation analysis. Results indicate that communal and national resilience significantly positively predict happiness among LGBTQ+ respondents. Moreover, mental well-being partially mediates communal resilience and happiness (36.84%), and fully mediates national resilience and happiness. Findings signify the importance of collective resilience as facilitators of positive mental health and ultimately, happiness among LGBTQ+ youth.