Examining the depression and loneliness in emerging adults including LGBTQIA+ members in Ireland.

Uzkuraityte, Odeta (2023) Examining the depression and loneliness in emerging adults including LGBTQIA+ members in Ireland. Undergraduate thesis, Dublin, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to investigate better and understand the mental health of LGBTQIA+ and heterosexual young adults in an Irish Context. This study evaluated the difference in depression scores between LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ (cis-heterosexual) individuals. It also assessed the difference in loneliness levels between LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ groups. Finally, the study also investigated whether loneliness and depression correlate and whether loneliness predicts depression while controlling for LGBTQIA+ membership. Methods: An online questionnaire link was provided to participants (N=73) via posters around the campus, as well as using Facebook and Instagram posts. The survey included demographic questions, as well as a UCLA Loneliness scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Results: The results showed no significant difference in depression scores between the LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ groups. Surprisingly the results also showed no significant difference in loneliness levels between the LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ groups. The hierarchical regression showed that loneliness was a predictor of depression, while controlling for LGBTQIA+ membership variable. Also a moderately positive correlation was found between loneliness and depression. Conclusion: The finding highlights the importance of examining the mental health of LGBTQIA+ and non-LGBTQIA+ members in the Irish context. No differences in loneliness and depression were found between the groups tested; therefore, future research could investigate further on a larger sample. Loneliness and depression were found to have a close relationship with one another; therefore, future research should examine whether loneliness can be a considerable risk factor for depression in young adults on a longitudinal level.

Item Type:	Thesis (Undergraduate)
Supervisors:	Name Email Mothersill, David UNSPECIFIED
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman > Sexual life > Sexual minorities
Divisions:	School of Business > BA (Honours) in Psychology
Depositing User:	Tamara Malone
Date Deposited:	01 Jun 2023 16:41
Last Modified:	01 Jun 2023 16:41
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/6724

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