Psychological distress and well-being in relation to sexual minority status among Malaysian undergraduates: findings from a multi-institutional survey

Abdul Aziz, Muhamad Nur Fariduddin and Ching, Sin Siau and Ibrahim, Norhayati and Bee, Suan Wee and Chee, Seong Low and Choy, Qing Cham and Kai, Shuen Pheh and Ker, Jocelyn Sin Lee and Ravindran, Latha and Meng, Chuan Ho and Fitriana, Mimi and Pei, Boon Ooi and Subramaniam, Ponnusamy and Marzo, Roy Rillera and Syed Elias, Sharifah Munirah and Awang Bono, Suzanna and Lei, Hum Wee and Hui, Zhu Thew and Muhamad, Rosediani and Mei, Caryn Hsien Chan (2026) Psychological distress and well-being in relation to sexual minority status among Malaysian undergraduates: findings from a multi-institutional survey. Sexes, 7 (2). pp. 1-15. ISSN 2411-5118

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Official URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2411-5118/7/2/29

Abstract

Psychological distress is increasing among university students, especially sexual minority individuals in Malaysia, who face stigma and challenges within a sociocultural and dual legal system. This study examined the relationship between sexual minority status and both negative (psychological strain, distress, suicidality) and positive (self-esteem, purpose in life, social support, religiosity) mental health indicators among Malaysian undergraduates. A cross-sectional, multi-institutional survey was conducted utilizing an existing dataset, yielding a final analytical sample of 2244 participants (1870 heterosexual and 374 sexual minority students). Data were analyzed usingWelch’s ANOVA and multiple logistic regression, controlling for demographic variables. Heterosexual students reported significantly lower depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress, and suicidality compared to gay, bisexual, and participants with other sexual orientation. In the fully adjusted model, sexual minority identity remained significantly associated with higher deprivation strain (aOR: 1.043), depression (aOR: 1.025), and suicidality (aOR: 1.117). Conversely, identifying as a sexual minority was linked to lower religious commitment (aOR: 0.961) and lower perceived family support (aOR: 0.943). Self-esteem and purpose in life lost statistical significance in the fully adjusted model. Sexual minority undergraduates in Malaysia face heightened psychological distress and suicidality, underscoring the need for comprehensive campus mental health interventions.

Item Type:	Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	sexual minority; psychological distress; suicidality; psychological strain; Malaysia; undergraduate
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology R Medicine > RA Public aspects of medicine > RA790 Mental Health. Mental Illness Prevention
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button):	Kulliyyah of Nursing Kulliyyah of Nursing > Department of Special Care Nursing
Depositing User:	SHARIFAH MUNIRAH SYED ELIAS
Date Deposited:	29 Jun 2026 15:09
Last Modified:	29 Jun 2026 15:09
Queue Number:	2026-06-Q3799
URI:	http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/129538

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