The mediator effect of depression in the relationship between sexual orientation and life satisfaction of individual in adolescent period

Objective: The main purpose of this study is to determine the mediator effect of depression on the relationship between sexual orientation and life satisfaction in the last adolescents period. Additionally, whether the participants' life satisfaction and depression levels differ according to their socio-demographic data has been investigated. Method: The study included 606 people between the age of 18-24. 281 of the participants stated their sexual orientation as LGB and 325 as heterosexual. Data were collected over socio- demographic characteristics and data form, Beck Depression Scale and Life Satisfaction Scale. Results: It is found that LGB individuals had lower levels of life satisfaction and higher depression severity than heterosexual individuals.According to socio-demographic data, it is found that life satisfaction and depression levels of the participants differed significantly from the factors of age, gender, sexual orientation, family awareness about sexual orientation and father's working status. Conclusion: In the relationship between sexual orientation and life satisfaction, it is determined that the mediator effect of depression is fully effective. Our findings contribute to the literature in terms of determining the psychological well-being of LGB individual who lives in Turkey and showing the rise of life satisfaction level among them in the event of controlling depression. Key words: sexual orientation, life satisfaction, depression, adolescence, LGBT+