Strengths and coping strategies in the life narratives of sexual minority women

Abstract

This study explored self-described strengths and strategies for coping with stress among sexual minority women (SMW), drawing on qualitative narratives of sexual minority and heterosexual women who were recruited from a population based sample. In-depth follow-up qualitative telephone interviews were conducted with 48 women who had participated the National Alcohol Survey, a U.S. population-based survey. Participants included 25 SMW and 16 matched exclusively heterosexual women. Narrative data were analyzed using inductive thematic analysis and constant comparison to explore the study aim, with an emphasis on themes that diverged or that were particularly salient for SMW relative to heterosexual women. Strengths and coping strategies that were especially meaningful in the narratives of sexual minority women emerged in two areas. First, participants described development of intrapersonal strengths through nurturing an authentic sense of self and embracing multifaceted identity. Second, participant described multiple strategies for cultivation of interpersonal resources: navigating distance and closeness with family of origin, cultivating supportive friends and chosen family, connecting to community, finding solace and joy with animals, and engaging in collective action. Findings underscore the importance of considering protective factors that are salient to SMW in developing or refining prevention and intervention efforts.

Our pride, our joy: An intersectional constructivist grounded theory analysis of resources that promote resilience in SGM communities

“…The resources theorized by the model correspond well with previous qualitative coping and resilience research in SGM populations and the population at-large. We identified various important social resources, consistent with many studies that have highlighted the integral role of connecting with community (both SGM and broader) and cultivating family in promoting resilience for SGM youth [18,34], SGM adults [20,21,35], and SGM older adults [24,25]. Additionally, in alignment with our findings, research by Drabble et al [2018] underscored the supportive role of animal companionship in the interpersonal resources of sexual minority women.…”

“…Recent qualitative research has examined resilience and/or coping resources in the context of SGM youth [17][18][19], SGM adults [20][21][22][23], and SGM older adults [24,25]. This research, however, has primarily focused on specific SGM subgroups (i.e., transgender school psychologists, gay Latino men, bisexual older adults), employed small sample sizes, and been limited in racial/ethnic diversity.…”

Population Attributable Fraction of Early Age of Onset of Alcohol Use in Alcohol Abuse and Dependence: A 3-Year Follow-Up Study in University Students

“…Finally, higher alcohol consumption in certain minority groups, such as homosexual students, may be related to strategies of evasion, which could be addressed by promoting the acceptance of sexual diversity. In this line, recent studies have focused on protective factors such as resilience and coping with these risky patterns, specifically among homosexual women [70,71].…”

Comparing Breast Cancer Experiences and Quality of Life between Lesbian and Heterosexual Women

“…In addition to heightened resilience, optimism has been noted to be a strength particularly associated with SMW [34][35][36]. Optimism refers to a more positive attitude and has been suggested as one of the factors that promote health and well-being in LGBTQ populations [34][35][36].…”

“…In addition to heightened resilience, optimism has been noted to be a strength particularly associated with SMW [34][35][36]. Optimism refers to a more positive attitude and has been suggested as one of the factors that promote health and well-being in LGBTQ populations [34][35][36]. A sense of optimism was expressed by SMW in our study While both straight and lesbian women experienced fear and similar concerns with regard to their cancer diagnoses, lesbian women expressed a slightly more positive outlook and reaction and less avoidance moving forward.…”