Different Patterns of Sexual Identity Development over Time: Implications for the Psychological Adjustment of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths

Abstract

Despite research documenting variability in the sexual identity development of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths, it remains unclear whether different developmental patterns have implications for the psychological adjustment of LGB youths. The current report longitudinally examines whether different patterns of LGB identity formation and integration are associated with indicators of psychological adjustment among an ethnically diverse sample of 156 LGB youths (ages 14 – 21) in New York City. Although differences in the timing of identity formation were not associated with psychological adjustment, greater identity integration was related to less depressive and anxious symptoms, fewer conduct problems, and higher self-esteem both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Individual changes in identity integration over time were associated with all four aspects of psychological adjustment, even after controlling for rival hypotheses concerning family and friend support, gay-related stress, negative social relationships, and other covariates. These findings suggest that difficulties in developing an integrated LGB identity may have negative implications for the psychological adjustment of LGB youths and that efforts to reduce distress among LGB youths should address the youths’ identity integration.

Online or off-line victimisation and psychological well-being: a comparison of sexual-minority and heterosexual youth

“…Such a challenge could be to develop one's sexual orientation. A greater integration of sexual identity, for example involvement in sexual-minority activities, positive attitudes toward sexual-minority orientation or comfort with others knowing about one's sexual-minority orientation has been shown to be related to less depressive and anxious symptoms among sexual-minority youth [40]. Another possible explanation for why sexual-minority youth reported having been victimised more often than heterosexual youth may be that it is related to some form of hate-crime.…”

Le rôle du soutien parental dans la relation entre la victimisation homophobe, l’homophobie intériorisée et la détresse psychologique chez les jeunes de minorités sexuelles (JMS) : une approche de médiation modérée

“…Lorsqu'ils doivent faire face à la stigmatisation de leur orientation sexuelle, les JMS présentent en effet des difficultés d'acceptation d'eux-mêmes qui se manifestent notamment par de l'homophobie intériorisée et une faible estime d'eux-mêmes (Blais et al, 2013 ;Willoughby, Doty et Malik, 2010), lesquelles sont associées à une moindre utilisation des ressources sociales et psychologiques ainsi qu'à la détresse psychologique (Lehavot et Simoni, 2011 ;Szymanski et Kashubeck-West, 2008). Considérant que l'intégration harmonieuse d'une orientation sexuelle minoritaire est cruciale pour la santé mentale des jeunes de minorités sexuelles (Chamberland et al, 2011 ;Rosario et al, 2011 ;Luhtanen, 2002), il est important d'identifier les variables susceptibles d'influencer l'impact des agents stressants distaux et proximaux sur la santé mentale des JMS. Le soutien social pourrait jouer un tel rôle en diminuant la détresse psychologique et l'homophobie intériorisée (Szymanski et Kashubeck-West, 2008).…”

“…Several studies confirm that the poor mental health outcomes are partly related to their high likelihood of experiencing homophobic victimization (Blais, Gervais, Boucher, Hébert & Lavoie, 2013;Taylor & Peter, 2011;Hughes, McCabe, Wilsnack, West & Boyd, 2010;Chamberland, Richard & Bernier, 2013). Whereas the development of a positive sexual minority identity is crucial for the mental health of SMY (Chamberland, Richard & Chevrier, 2011;Rosario, Schrimshaw & Hunter, 2011;Luhtanen, 2002), the victimization they experience put them at risk of internalizing societal homophobia and heterosexism (Meyer, 2003;Hatzenbuehler, 2009). It is important to identify variables that may influence the impact of distal and proximal factors that impact SMY's mental health.…”

Salir del clóset en la Ciudad de México

“…Así, la CILG requiere tiempo y valentía para su formación, lo cual presupone algunas vicisitudes. 3 Es necesario precisar algunos de los constructos que serán utilizados de manera regular con el fin de homogeneizar su comprensión. Entendemos orientación sexual (OS) como una de las posibilidades del abanico de relaciones erótico-afectivas donde las personas sienten atracción por personas de su mismo sexo, sin que necesariamente sea volitivo.…”