35. Models that change: The study of gay identity development

2007 ◽  
Vol 30 (4) ◽  
pp. 46
Author(s):  
K. Heng
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Social Evolution ◽  
Ecological Model ◽  
Gay Identity ◽  
Sexual Identity Development ◽  
Gay Identity Development ◽  
Positive Identity ◽  
The Social

Since the declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder by the American Psychiatric Association in 1974, a large number of models of gay identity development have been proposed in the literature. This is unique because for the first time, more attention was paid to the process of developing a gay identity rather than theorizing about the etiologies of homosexuality. This paper reviews the changes in thought found in the literature describing how one comes to develop a gay identity. For the marginalized, identity development is generally described against a backdrop of stigma. Fortunately, our current society is very different from the hostile world that surrounded the APA in 1974: homosexuality is more tolerated and accepted, laws are less discriminatory, and gay role models are more abundant and accessible. As society has evolved, so too have its descriptive models. Shame and reluctance are found in Plumer’s (1975) and Lee’s (1977) models. Pride and activism appear in Hencken and O’Dowd’s (1977) and Cass’ (1979) models. Troiden (1989) mentions the fear of AIDS in his writings. Alderson’s (1998) model reflects a climate where religion, friends, and society can be catalysts in developing a positive identity. Taken together, these models are like time capsules containing clues as to the social conditions of the time. As the rate of social evolution accelerates, it is doubtful that any model regarding marginalized individuals will ever become definitive. For the case of homosexuality, if and when its stigma is removed, then the defining feature of gay identity development is also removed. It is possible that in its place will be a general model of sexual identity development, where homosexual and heterosexual paths diverge innocently and quietly in a society that does not value one over the other. Alderson K. The ecological model of gay male identity. The Canadian Journal of Human Sexuality 2003; 12(2):75-85. Cass V. Homosexual identity formation: A theoretical model. Journal of Homosexuality 1979; 4(3):219-35. Troiden R. The formation of homosexual identities. Journal of Homosexuality 1989; 17(1/2):43-73.

The Hidden Minority

1991 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 157-176 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruth E. Fassinger
Keyword(s):  
Social Context ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Gay Identity ◽  
Lesbian Women ◽  
Therapeutic Work ◽  
Roles And Responsibilities ◽  
Gay Identity Development ◽  
The Social ◽  
Counseling Psychologists

This article provides an overview of salient issues related to scientific and therapeutic work with lesbian women and gay men. It is presented in five sections which provide the reader with a review of terms and concepts; a sense of the social context (historically and currently) faced by gay people, a discussion of psychology s approach to gay/lesbian issues, an overview of gay identity development; and an outline of roles and responsibilities of counseling psychologists in working with these populations. Resources are indicated for those wishing further information and direction.

Out in Time

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Perry N. Halkitis
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Coming Out ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Life Experiences ◽  
Sexual Identity Development ◽  
Three Generations ◽  
American Society

The life experiences and sexual identity development of three generations of gay men, the Stonewall, AIDS, and Queer generations, are explored. While there are generational differences in the lived experiences of young gay men shaped by the sociopolitical contexts of the historical epoch in which they emerged into adulthood, and a crisis that has come to define each generation, there also are consistencies across generations and across time in the psychological process of coming out that defines identity formation of gay men, as these individuals transition from a period of sexual identity awareness to sexual identity integration. The life experiences are also shaped by conceptions of hypermasculinity, racism and discrimination, substance use, and adventurous sexuality. Despite the many challenges that have defined the lives of gay men across time and that are informed by the homophobia of American society, the vast majority of the population also has demonstrated resilience and fortitude in achieving both pride and dignity. These ideas are explored through the life narratives of fifteen diverse gay men, across the three generations.

scholarly journals Narratives of Change: Identity and Recognition Dynamics in the Process of Moving Away From a Life Dominated by Drug Use

2021 ◽  
pp. 009145092110270
Author(s):  
Inger Eide Robertson ◽  
Hildegunn Sagvaag ◽  
Lillian Bruland Selseng ◽  
Sverre Nesvaag
Keyword(s):  
Drug Use ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Recovery Process ◽  
Way Of Life ◽  
Positive Identity ◽  
The Social ◽  
Changing Practices ◽  
Struggle For Recognition ◽  
Depth Interviews

The concepts of identity and recovery capital are recognized as being an embedded part of moving away from a life dominated by drug use. However, the link between these two concepts and the effect of broader social structures, and the normative assumptions underpinning the condition of recovery, is less explored. This article focuses on the social practices of everyday life in the foreground of identity formation, meaning that “who I am” is an inseparable part of “what I do.” A narrative approach was employed to analyze qualitative follow-up data extracted from 48 in-depth interviews with 17 males and females with drug-using experience that were conducted posttreatment on three separate occasions over a period of 2.5 years. Theories of identity formation were employed to analyze the interdependent dynamic between social structure, persona and social resources, and way of life and identity. The analyses identified four narratives related to how people present themselves through the process of changing practices. Following the work of Honneth, we argue that the positive identity formation revealed in these narratives is best understood as a struggle for recognition via the principle of achievement. However, the participants’ self-narratives reflected cultural stories—specified as formula stories—of “normality,” “addiction,” and the “addict,” which work into the concepts of self and confine options of storying experiences during the recovery process. This study demonstrate that the process of recovery is culturally embedded and constitutes a process of adaption to conventional social positions and roles. We suggest challenging dominant discourses related to “addiction as a disease” and “normality” in order to prevent stigma related to drug use and recovery. In so doing, it may contribute to broaden conditions for identity (trans)formation for people in recovery.

Intersectionality and Identity Configurations: A Qualitative Study Exploring Sexual Identity Development Among Emerging Adults Within the United States

2020 ◽  
pp. 216769682094659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua G. Parmenter ◽  
Renee V. Galliher ◽  
Ashley C. Yaugher ◽  
Adam D. A. Maughan
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Emerging Adults ◽  
Sexual Minority ◽  
The United States ◽  
Identity Conflict ◽  
Sexual Identity Development ◽  
Individual Interviews

Although modern comprehensive conceptual models of sexual identity development acknowledge contextual factors, existing models have placed less emphasis on (a) the influence of multiple domains of identity on sexual identity formation and (b) centrality and negotiation of various domains of identity. The present study sought to explore processes, identity conflicts, and management of sexual identity relative to other identity domains among sexual minority emerging adults in the United States. Fourteen sexual minority emerging adults (20–25 years) with a diverse array of identities participated in semistructured individual interviews, and five participants engaged in two follow-up focus groups. Findings supported two broad categories with subthemes: identity conflict (unaffirming and oppressive contexts, lack of resources to explore identity) and identity coherence (resources used to manage and facilitate identity coherence; acceptance, affirmation, and harmony; and centrality and salience of sexual identity within identity configurations). Findings have implications for the study of sexual identity development within the context of other domains of identity.

scholarly journals Forging a new identity: a qualitative study exploring the experiences of UK-based physician associate students

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e033450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Megan E L Brown ◽  
William Laughey ◽  
Paul Alexander Tiffin ◽  
Gabrielle M Finn
Keyword(s):  
Identity Development ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Identity Formation ◽  
Role Models ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
Occupational Identity ◽  
Medical Council ◽  
Theory Approach ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveTo explore student physician associates’ (PAs) experiences of clinical training to ascertain the process of their occupational identity formation.SettingThe role of the PA is relatively new within the UK. There has been a rapid expansion in training places driven by National Health Service (NHS) workforce shortages, with the Department of Health recently announcing plans for the General Medical Council to statutorily regulate PAs. Given such recent changes and the relative newness of their role, PAs are currently establishing their occupational identity. Within adjacent fields, robust identity development improves well-being and career success. Thus, there are implications for recruitment, retention and workplace performance. This qualitative study analyses the views of student PAs to ascertain the process of PA occupational identity formation through the use of one-to-one semistructured interviews. A constructivist grounded theory approach to data analysis was taken. Research was informed by communities of practice and socialisation theory.ParticipantsA theoretical sample of 19 PA students from two UK medical schools offering postgraduate PA studies courses.ResultsA conceptual model detailing student PA identity formation is proposed. Factors facilitating identity formation include clinical exposure and continuity. Barriers to identity formation include ignorance and negativity regarding the PA role. Difficulties navigating identity formation and lacking support resulted in identity dissonance.ConclusionsAlthough similarities exist between PA and medical student identity formation, unique challenges exist for student PAs. These include navigating a new role and poor access to PA role models. Given this, PA students are turning to medicine for their identity. Educators must provide support for student PA identity development in line with this work’s recommendations. Such support is likely to improve the job satisfaction and retention of PAs within the UK NHS.

scholarly journals SELF-EFFICACY AND THE PROCESS OF GAY SEXUAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT AMONG GAY MEN IN MALAYSIA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carmella E. Ading ◽  
◽  
Aminuddin Ibrahim Lastar ◽  
Getrude Cosmas Ahgang ◽  
Mohammad Hashim Othman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Identity Development ◽  
Sexual Identity ◽  
Gay Men ◽  
Thematic Analysis ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Gay Identity ◽  
Sexual Identity Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Sex Orientation

"The development of gay identity sexual among Malaysian gay men were not discussed openly in this country. This is because the government do not approve same sex orientation lifestyle. However, gay men exist in many communities in this country and they are living freely as a citizen and work in the country like others. Malaysia is one of the countries that openly against the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexual and Queer (LGBTQ). Nevertheless, they continue to develop their sexual identity as a part of their lives which at the same time causes a great distress in them. Thus, their decision to identify themselves as gays takes huge courage and effort. These courage and effort were found not only just intricately, since it involves emotional and social support from their family, friends and communities. It is also believed that this social support might help gay men to develop their self-efficacy as well. Therefore, it is in the interest of the researchers to explore about self-efficacy by looking at emotional and social support they received and its relation to the development of sexual identity among the gay men who lives in Malaysia. In this qualitative research, semi structured questions were developed to explore sexual identity development among the gay men. Six (6) respondents who have identified themselves as gay, aged between 21- 44 years old, from different walk of life were interviewed. Data were analysed using thematic analysis. Our study has found that emotional and social support, are the important factors that contribute to their self-efficacy and help them in developing their sexual identity."

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