A study of mental health and the role of mindfulness in promoting positive mental health for Hong Kong Chinese gay men

Abstract

In Hong Kong, the hostility, stigma and discrimination against sexual minorities is prevalent. HEvolution are a community initiative founded in 2017, aiming to promote physical, mental, social and spiritual health among gay men in Hong Kong. This study investigated the roles of social demographics, mindfulness and self-kindness, and gay life-related variables in predicting their overall well-being. T-tests, chi-square tests, correlation analyses and hierarchical multiple regression were conducted to investigate the relationships between variables of interest. Results found that close relationships existed between mindfulness, self-compassion, gay life identity and well-being in gay men. It suggests that the promotion of holistic health and mindfulness among Hong Kong gay men can be beneficial to their psychological and overall well-being.