ERIC Number: EJ768276
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2007-Jul
Pages: 14
Abstractor: Author
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0022-0167
EISSN: N/A
Adaptation to Sexual Orientation Stigma: A Comparison of Bisexual and Lesbian/Gay Adults
Balsam, Kimberly F.; Mohr, Jonathan J.
Journal of Counseling Psychology, v54 n3 p306-319 Jul 2007
This study extends research on dimensions of sexual minority experience by examining differences between bisexual and lesbian/gay adults in adaptation to sexual orientation stigma. The authors investigated sexual orientation self-disclosure, connection to community, and 4 identity-related variables (internalized homonegativity, stigma sensitivity, identity confusion, and identity superiority) in a community sample of 613 lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults. Sexual orientation effects were found on 3 of these 6 variables: Bisexual participants reported higher levels of identity confusion and lower levels of both self-disclosure and community connection relative to their lesbian/gay peers. Taken together, the 6 variables predicted indicators of psychosocial functioning. Associations among the 6 dimensions of sexual minority experience and psychosocial functioning did not differ for bisexual and lesbian/gay participants.
Descriptors: Sexual Orientation, Homosexuality, Adjustment (to Environment), Social Bias, Minority Groups, Self Disclosure (Individuals), Adults, Comparative Analysis, Sexual Identity, Community Influence, Psychological Patterns
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: American Psychological Association, Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A