Homosexual Identity DevelopmentAwareness of sexual orientation on average: between 8 and 9May not adopt homosexual identity for many years, howeverCass’s modelBreaks homosexual identity development into 6 stagesNon-linear model: some don’t go through all stages, go out of order, slip backWide variation in experiences6 stages (Cass’s model):Identity Confusion:Same sex attractions/behaviors begin to surface, person feels confusedOften deny feelings, rationalize behaviorIdentity Comparison:Begin to compare self to other GLB and wonder about being homosexualKeep homosexual attraction/behavior separate from identityBehavior is homosexual, person is notIdentity Tolerance:Begin to believe self is homosexual, search out community for affirmationOften live “double life” and not “out” to people in straight communityIdentity Acceptance:Begin to accept instead of tolerate new identityIncrease ties to GLB communityBegin coming out to select fewIdentity Pride:Begin to have pride in identityImmerse self in GLB social groupsMay begin to have “us” (GLB) vs. “them” (hetero) attitude, anger over mistreatment may surfaceTend to distance themselves from their straight friends and family membersCome out to more peopleIdentity Synthesis:The healthiest stage of homosexual identity developmentSexual orientation integrated into identity, no longer considered most important factorStop “us” vs. “them” thinking, become close to hetero people againComing OutComing out: establishing a personal identity and communicating that to othersFirst need to recognize sexual orientation within oneself, then tell othersComing out is often difficult and important experienceAverage age of first coming out to others is 16 in USPositive coming out experiences related to higher self-concepts, lower depression rates, and healthier psychological adjustmentPeople not “out” experience more mental, physical health problemsParental rejection increases isolation, loneliness, depression, suicide, homelessness, prostitution, and STI’sHomeless, prostitution, and STI’s are all effects of parental rejection and lead to one anotherFamilies of GLBTQ people must also face “coming out” in a wayComing out is not a single event, but a lifelong processPSYCH 3260 1st Edition Lecture 17 Outline of Last Lecture I. Puberty in malesII. Psychological implications of pubertyIII. Sexual behavior in AdolescenceIV. Homosexual Identity Development (intro)Outline of Current Lecture I. Homosexual Identity Developmenta. Cass’s 6 Stage ModelII. Coming OutCurrent Lecture Homosexual Identity Development - Awareness of sexual orientation on average: between 8 and 9 o May not adopt homosexual identity for many years, howevero Cass’s model Breaks homosexual identity development into 6 stages Non-linear model: some don’t go through all stages, go out of order, slip back  Wide variation in experiences o 6 stages (Cass’s model): Identity Confusion: Same sex attractions/behaviors begin to surface, person feels confused Often deny feelings, rationalize behavior Identity Comparison: Begin to compare self to other GLB and wonder about being homosexual Keep homosexual attraction/behavior separate from identity- Behavior is homosexual, person is notThese notes represent a detailed interpretation of the professor’s lecture. GradeBuddy is best used as a supplement to your own notes, not as a substitute. Identity Tolerance: Begin to believe self is homosexual, search out community for affirmation Often live “double life” and not “out” to people in straight community Identity Acceptance: Begin to accept instead of tolerate new identity Increase ties to GLB community Begin coming out to select few  Identity Pride: Begin to have pride in identity  Immerse self in GLB social groups May begin to have “us” (GLB) vs. “them” (hetero) attitude, anger over mistreatment may surface  Tend to distance themselves from their straight friends and family members Come out to more people  Identity Synthesis: The healthiest stage of homosexual identity development Sexual orientation integrated into identity, no longer considered most important factor Stop “us” vs. “them” thinking, become close to hetero people again  Coming Out- Coming out: establishing a personal identity and communicating that to otherso First need to recognize sexual orientation within oneself, then tell otherso Coming out is often difficult and important experience- Average age of first coming out to others is 16 in US- Positive coming out experiences related to higher self-concepts, lower depression rates, and healthier psychological adjustmento People not “out” experience more mental, physical health problems - Parental rejection increases isolation, loneliness, depression, suicide, homelessness, prostitution, and STI’so Homeless, prostitution, and STI’s are all effects of parental rejection and lead to one another - Families of GLBTQ people must also face “coming out” in a way - Coming out is not a single event, but a lifelong