# Well-Being and Sexual Diversity in Higher Education: The Role of Mental Health, Optimism, Academic Performance, and Motivation in Portuguese Students

## TL;DR

This study explores how mental health, optimism, and academic performance affect the well-being of LGB and heterosexual students in higher education in Portugal.

## Contribution

The study identifies optimism as a key predictor of well-being for LGB students, offering insights for inclusive university environments.

## Key findings

- LGB students showed significantly lower levels of optimism compared to heterosexual students.
- LGB students had higher levels of academic performance and mental health than heterosexual students.
- Optimism was a main predictor of well-being for LGB students, while mental health was for heterosexual students.

## Abstract

Introduction. Entering higher education represents a significant and challenging stage, marked by substantial changes that impact students’ well-being, mental health, and academic performance. These challenges can be particularly intensified for lesbian, gay, or bisexual (LGB) students, who are frequently subject to minority stress. In this context, few studies have focused on aspects associated with the well-being of these students. This study aimed to assess well-being, mental health, optimism, motivation, and academic performance according to students’ sexual orientation, as well as the main predictors of well-being in both groups. Method. The sample comprised 285 higher education Portuguese students, of whom 129 were heterosexual and 156 were LGB, aged between 18 and 69 years. Results. The results revealed that the LGB students showed significantly lower levels of optimism, but higher levels of academic performance and mental health, compared to heterosexual students. Among LGB students, optimism stood out as one of the main predictors of well-being, while mental health stood out among heterosexual students. Conclusions. The results highlight the need for more inclusive university environments and psychological interventions focused on promoting optimism to reduce the impact of minority stress and promote the well-being and academic retention of LGB students. More studies are needed that consider the diverse sexual orientations of university students.