The Relationship between Emotional Expression, Life Satisfaction, and Psychological Resilience in Gay Men in Turkey

Süleyman Kahraman; Özlem Şener; Eylül Fatma Kaytaz

doi:10.29333/ejecs/1655

Authors

Süleyman Kahraman Beykent University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8223-4614
Özlem Şener https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0081-7374
Eylül Fatma Kaytaz Independent Clinical Psychologist https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9496-8236

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejecs/1655

Keywords:

gay men, life satisfaction, emotional expression, psychological resilience

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between psychological resilience, life satisfaction, and emotional expression levels in male gay individuals. This correlational study included 40 gay males who were LGBTI Association members and 40 heterosexual men who shared similar sociodemographic characteristics. Along with the informed consent form, the participants were given a sociodemographic form, the Expression of Emotions Scale, the Life Satisfaction Scale, and the Resilience Scale for Adults. Correlation analysis was performed to reveal the relationship between variables. Independent sample T-tests, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis analyses were used for group comparisons. Compared with heterosexual men, gay men scored higher on measures of emotional expression and resilience. According to the age of self-awareness and previous psychological therapy status, the ratings of gay males for expressing their feelings differ significantly. In addition, there was a significant difference in resilience scores according to smoking status. Male gay individuals have higher emotional expression skills and psychological resilience levels than heterosexual individuals. Additionally, it was found that emotional expression and life satisfaction were positively correlated in gay people.

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Author Biographies

Süleyman Kahraman, Beykent University

Süleyman Kahraman, PhD is a faculty member in the Department of Psychology at Istanbul Beykent University. He teaches various courses in psychology undergraduate and clinical psychology graduate programs. He specializes in gifted education, parent education, and adult education.

Özlem Şener

Özlem Şener, PhD is a faculty member in the Department of Psychological Counseling and Guidance at Bartın University. She is an expert in psychodrama and provides specialized support in the treatment of trauma and psycho-somatic disorders.

Eylül Fatma Kaytaz, Independent Clinical Psychologist

Eylül Fatma Kaytaz, MA is an independent clinical psychologist in Istanbul, Turkey. She is interested in depression, anxiety, panic disorder and OCD.

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