A Study on Loneliness, Social Support, and Mental Well-Being Based on Sexual Orientation in Northern Spain

Loneliness is a subjective experience characterized by a perceived deficiency in social relationships, often accompanied by feelings of emptiness and exclusion. Various demographic and situational factors can influence loneliness levels. Prolonged social disconnection is associated with chronic stress, which can harm mental and physical health. Sexual minorities-such as those identifying as bisexual, gay, or lesbian-often face "minority stress," a unique form of stress resulting from prejudice, rejection, and internalized stigma related to their sexual orientation. Despite significant legal advancements for LGBTQIA+ individuals in Spain, negative societal attitudes persist. This study explored loneliness across different sexual orientations and examined the influence of personal factors, social support, and mental well-being as predictors. A total of 312 participants completed an online survey, including the UCLA Loneliness Scale, the Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, and the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale. Results showed that bisexual participants experienced higher levels of loneliness, lower social support, and poorer mental well-being compared to heterosexual participants. However, no significant differences were found between homosexual and heterosexual groups. These findings highlight the importance of developing targeted programs to enhance social acceptance and support for bisexual individuals in Spain.