The Authenticity of Self: Conceptualization, Personal Experience, and Practice

2014

Sex Res Soc Policy

Relationship dissolution has generally been associated with decreased psychological well-being, but little is known about how ethnic and religious minority gay men experience and cope with relationship dissolution. This article examines interview data from sixteen self-identified British South Asian gay men who provided insights into how they experienced and coped with relationship dissolution and into the potential effects of this for identity. Data were analyzed qualitatively using interpretative phenomenological analysis and identity process theory. The following themes are outlined: (i) constructing identity around the relationship; (ii) relationship breakdown and threats to identity; and (iii) repairing identity in silence. The data indicate the centrality of the relationship to identity because of its ability to enhance identity processes and the detrimental effect for identity processes that dissolution can therefore have. Individuals relied heavily upon intrapsychic, deflection strategies for coping with identity threat, which was due to a general lack of social support. Minority group members who are fearful of disclosing their sexual identity to others may cope inadequately with relationship dissolution, exposing identity to chronic threat.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Experience of Relationship Dissolution among British South Asian Gay Men: Identity Threat and Protection

2014

Sex Res Soc Policy

“…The data suggested that some people simply failed to derive a sense of coherence between the identities that they projected in distinct contexts and thereby came to question the authenticity of their identities. Identity authenticity constitutes a key component of a positive sense of self (Vannini & Franzese, 2008) …”

Section: Grindr: Identity Enhancement or Threat?mentioning

confidence: 99%

Gay Men’s Construction and Management of Identity on Grindr

2016

Sexuality & Culture

This study explores gay men's construction and management of identity on Grindr. A sample of gay men was interviewed and the data were analyzed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. The following themes are outlined: (1) Constructing and re-constructing identities on Grindr; (2) Bolstering sexual self-efficacy; (3) Managing online and offline identities. Despite the apparent social psychological benefits of geospational gay social networking applications, the pressures of coercive norms on the application as well as perceived "addiction" to it can result in threats to identity, thereby challenging social and psychological wellbeing.

“…BSA were allegedly viewed by SAS as temporary visitors to the homeland, which resulted in their exclusion from the ingroup. They were no longer regarded as "authentic" members of the ingroup (see Vannini and Franzese, 2008 for a discussion of authenticity in relation to identity), and were reportedly excluded from discussions about issues relevant to the village. Given respondents' continued identification with the homeland, this was threatening for identity.…”

Section: Migration and "Otherness"mentioning

confidence: 99%

Migration and identity processes among first-generation British South Asians

2015

South Asian Diaspora

There has been little scholarly attention to the identities and migratory experiences of first-generation British South Asians, especially from social psychologists. Drawing upon Identity Process Theory, this article examines the inter-relations between migration and identity processes among twenty first-generation British South Asians. The interview data were analysed using qualitative thematic analysis. Results suggested that migration was perceived as a means of enhancing identity and that following migration individuals acquired a "higher" social status in the homeland. Moreover, the psychologically traumatic aspects of migration, such as the loss of community and "otherisation" from one's ethnic ingroup, were outlined. It is argued that migration can have profound socio-psychological implications and that decades later it can continue to shape individuals' sense of self and their attachment to relevant social categories. Furthermore, migration has important outcomes for the extent and nature of British national identification as well one's relationship with the ethnic "homeland."