Thriving, Not Just Coping: The Positive Role of Family and Friends as Sources of Social Support and Mattering in the Well-Being of LGBTQIA+ Individuals

The present study aimed to examine if interpersonal (family and friends) and societal mattering mediated the association between perceived social support from family and friends and both psychological and social well-being among LGBTAIA+ individuals. Participants were cisgender non-exclusively heterosexual (n = 116) and transgender individuals (n = 233). Results indicated that different forms of mattering mediated the association between perceived social support and well-being. Societal mattering emerged as a crucial factor, which positively contributed to psychological and social functioning. Findings suggets that interventions aimed at fostering LGBTAIA+ individuals’ well-being should focus on positive resources, such as social support and perception of mattering.