Differences in Resistance to Change, Optimism and Perceived Social Support among individuals with different Sexual Orientations

ABSTRACT

Background: A study was carried out to investigate differences in personality (resistance to change and state optimism) and perceived social support between heterosexual individuals and individuals with other sexual orientations. Methodology: The data for the study was collected through a Google Form questionnaire. The snowball technique was used to collect the data for this study. The final sample for the study consisted of 120 participants (60 heterosexual participants and 60 participants with other sexual orientations- 40 homosexuals, and 20 bisexuals). There were 38 females and 22 males among the heterosexual participants. They were administered the Resistance to Change Scale, State Optimism Measure and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. The results were statistically analysed and presented. Results: No differences between the sexual orientations were observed on the resistance to change and optimism measures. Individuals with other sexual orientations received greater support from significant others and friends as compared to heterosexuals. However, none of the mean differences in the four dimensions of resistance to change and three dimensions of perceived social support were statistically significant Conclusions: The study found no significant difference in resistance to change, state optimism and perceived social support between individuals with different sexual orientations. Further studies in larger samples are warranted.