EFFECTIVENESS OF FAMILY SUPPORT FOR GAY ADOLESCENT MALES WHEN DISCLOSING SEXUAL IDENTITY
Monique Henry
Marywood University
EFFECTIVENESS OF FAMILY SUPPORT FOR GAY ADOLESCENT WHEN DISCLOSING SEXUAL IDENTITY
The purpose of this review is to examine the literature of research in recent past, their findings, and the availability of existing programs to demonstrate the vast difference between support and absence of support from parents of gay adolescents in regard to their overall wellness and social progression when coming out. This research is essential to finding out if programs for gay adolescents and their families are effective in this transitional period.
In this review, the literature will be examined on the effectiveness …show more content…
In a qualitative research article by Natalie L. Hill in 2009 however, it was reported by the subject that due to factors within his family such as religion, community and family background, he preferred to come out to his friends first, then to his parents when he was financially independent. In another study, it was shown that while there are positive effects of CO, i.e. not having to hide their sexuality anymore and a weight lifted of their shoulders, there were also concerns about potential negative effects such as rejection, loss of family cohesiveness, parents’ mental health while coping and trust (Baiocco, Fontanesi, Santamaria, Ioverno, Marasco, Baumgartner, Willoughby, Laghi, …show more content…
“Corresponding to the narcissistic pride that parents may derive from their child (Cohen & Weissman, 1984), it would seem likely that feelings of shame or disappointment are also incorporated in the psyche and self estimation of the parent” (Saltzman, 2004). Also noted is that acceptance and support are not always guaranteed, however, guidance towards minimizing the chance of irreversible emotional or physical harm to their child should still be considered. Damage control would include preparing the adolescent for the possibility of parents’ refusal to accept, support or even acknowledge their sexual preference and help them to understand and come to terms with their parents’ choice.
Hypothesis
Gay adolescents have an increased chance of emotional and physical well-being, as well as overall developmental and social progression, when they receive support from family when disclosing sexual identity.
Implications for Social
Monique Henry
Marywood University
EFFECTIVENESS OF FAMILY SUPPORT FOR GAY ADOLESCENT WHEN DISCLOSING SEXUAL IDENTITY
The purpose of this review is to examine the literature of research in recent past, their findings, and the availability of existing programs to demonstrate the vast difference between support and absence of support from parents of gay adolescents in regard to their overall wellness and social progression when coming out. This research is essential to finding out if programs for gay adolescents and their families are effective in this transitional period.
In this review, the literature will be examined on the effectiveness …show more content…
In a qualitative research article by Natalie L. Hill in 2009 however, it was reported by the subject that due to factors within his family such as religion, community and family background, he preferred to come out to his friends first, then to his parents when he was financially independent. In another study, it was shown that while there are positive effects of CO, i.e. not having to hide their sexuality anymore and a weight lifted of their shoulders, there were also concerns about potential negative effects such as rejection, loss of family cohesiveness, parents’ mental health while coping and trust (Baiocco, Fontanesi, Santamaria, Ioverno, Marasco, Baumgartner, Willoughby, Laghi, …show more content…
“Corresponding to the narcissistic pride that parents may derive from their child (Cohen & Weissman, 1984), it would seem likely that feelings of shame or disappointment are also incorporated in the psyche and self estimation of the parent” (Saltzman, 2004). Also noted is that acceptance and support are not always guaranteed, however, guidance towards minimizing the chance of irreversible emotional or physical harm to their child should still be considered. Damage control would include preparing the adolescent for the possibility of parents’ refusal to accept, support or even acknowledge their sexual preference and help them to understand and come to terms with their parents’ choice.
Hypothesis
Gay adolescents have an increased chance of emotional and physical well-being, as well as overall developmental and social progression, when they receive support from family when disclosing sexual identity.
Implications for Social