Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Research has established that higher levels of inclusivity promote increased levels of well-being in GSRM populations (Yoder & Mattheis, 2016); however, there is a lack of research exploring a moderating effect of psychological flexibility on this relationship. Previous research has also demonstrated that psychological flexibility is related to increased quality of life (Walloch & Hill, 2016); however, the relationship between psychological flexibility and inclusivity remains largely unexplored in GSRM populations. The purpose of this study was to explore how inclusivity, psychological distress, and psychological flexibility correlate with well-being among a sample of 198 individuals who identify as GSRM. This study found that individuals who identified as having high social inclusion experienced fewer negative impacts on their well-being while individuals with high levels of distress had more negative impacts on their well-being. It was also found that individuals who indicated greater amounts of psychological inflexibility had more negative impacts on well-being. This study did not find distress to vary significantly as a function of psychological flexibility, which is not consistent with the findings of other studies (Flynn & Bhambhani, 2021). Limitations to this study are explored, including the potential effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on participants. This research was conducted to understand how employers, organizations, and institutions can better address the needs of GSRM individuals.

Year manuscript completed

2021

Year degree awarded

2021

Author's Keywords

GSRM, LGBT, inclusivity, well-being, distress, psychological flexibility

Thesis Advisor

Michael Bordieri

Committee Member

Josh Adair

Committee Member

Esther Malm

Committee Member

Sean Rife

Document Type

Thesis

Additional Files
Weekes Thesis 11.2021.docx (536 kB)
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