Introduction:

The literature shows an increasing interest in the relationship between individuals’ sexual orientation and their subjective well-being, linking the former to various spheres of life, such as social support, health, and life satisfaction. However, research on the impact of sexual orientation in the relationship between subjective well-being variables is scarce in the university population. This study examined the associations between support from family, friends and other people with life satisfaction, directly and mediated by self-perceived health, comparing these relationships in heterosexual and lesbian, gay, bisexual and other non-heterosexual (LGB+) university students in Chile.

Method:

The sample (n = 525) answered an online questionnaire with sociodemographic questions about perceived social support, self-perceived health, and life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and multigroup analysis.

Results:

Family support was positively associated with life satisfaction, directly and mediated by self-perceived health, in both heterosexual and LGB+ students; support from friends and others showed differential associations by sexual orientation. However, the proposed model was statistically similar for both groups.

Conclusion:

These findings highlight the relevance of different types of support on the life satisfaction of university students according to their sexual orientation.

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