The unique characteristics of "families of choice" and families of origin of older LGBTQ + adults: are they related to mental health?

Purpose: This study joins a growing body of research on the different types of families of aging individuals belonging to sexual and gender minorities. We explore the characteristics of "families of choice" (who are close enough to be considered as family) and families of origin of LGBTQ + older adults and their associations with mental health.

Methods: Data for this study were collected via an online survey with self-identified lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer and others (LGBTQ +) adults aged 50 + (n = 432). Participants were asked about characteristics of the relationships with their families of choice and their families of origin, depressive symptoms and well-being.

Results: The results indicated that most participants had a family of choice, numbering five people on average. They also reported having about four close family of origin members. Several differences emerged when comparing the two types of families: The relationships with families of origin were more stable, while families of choice were more committed, more likely to accept participants' sexual orientation and the relationship with members of families of choice had fewer negative aspects. Regression analyses showed that individuals had better mental health if they had more close family of origin members, more family of choice members and a partner, if the relationship with their families of choice were more stable and less negative.

Conclusion: These findings shed light on the unique sources of support among LGBTQ + older adults and their associations with mental health.