Stress-related growth, coming out, and internalized homonegativity in lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth. An examination of stress-related growth within the minority stress model

J Homosex. 2011;58(1):117-37. doi: 10.1080/00918369.2011.533631.

Abstract

This study investigates how young lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals deal with coming out and how perceived personal growth may result from that experience. We considered stress-related growth as a mediator between coming-out experiences and internalized homonegativity (IH). Our sample was taken from an online survey and is comprised of 502 LGBs aged 14-30. The social environment's acceptance of an individual's sexual orientation and the individual's social identification influence stress-related growth. Several coming-out indicators influence internalized homonegativity and, although growth perception does not function as a mediator between coming out and internalized homonegativity, it has a direct effect on IH.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Belgium
  • Bisexuality / psychology*
  • Disclosure*
  • Female
  • Health Surveys
  • Homosexuality, Female / psychology*
  • Homosexuality, Male / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Models, Psychological
  • Prejudice
  • Regression Analysis
  • Self Concept
  • Stereotyping
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology*