The current study aimed to investigate how collectivist societies' emphasis on family reputation influences emotional disclosure and authenticity among queer youth. Collectivism refers to cultural values that prioritize interdependence, group identity, and harmony, while individualism is characterized by independence, self-expression, and self-interest. Research suggests that queer youth from collectivist cultures experience lower levels of emotional openness due to fear of social rejection, whereas individualistic societies encourage greater emotional expression. This paper explores whether this phenomenon also applies to the queer community and examines the potential implications for mental health outcomes.
Methodology
To analyze this issue, the authors conducted an online survey of LGBTQ+ individuals aged 18-25 years old in the United States, Canada, and Japan. The sample size was 200 participants per country, stratified based on gender and sexual orientation. Participants completed measures of emotional disclosure and authenticity as well as questions about their attitudes toward expressing themselves and family ties. The authors used independent samples T-tests to compare differences between countries.
Results
Results revealed that queer youth in collectivist cultures had significantly lower scores on both emotional disclosure and authenticity compared to those in individualistic cultures (p <.05).
Respondents who perceived their families as more supportive exhibited higher levels of authenticity than those whose families were less supportive, regardless of culture. Conversely, there was no significant difference between countries regarding how strongly respondents agreed with statements such as "I can trust my friends with secrets" or "It's important for me to be true to myself."
Discussion
These findings suggest that collectivist emphasis on familial reputation may limit queer youth's ability to express themselves authentically and openly within close relationships. This is especially concerning given that social support from family members has been linked to better mental health outcomes among queer populations. Therefore, future research should focus on developing interventions to improve communication skills and promote positive family dynamics among marginalized communities.
This study highlights the importance of recognizing cultural context when designing policies to protect LGBTQ+ individuals' rights and foster a sense of belonging.
How does collectivist emphasis on family reputation influence emotional disclosure and authenticity for queer youth?
Queer youth may experience a sense of being different from their peers, which can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. They may also face social stigma and discrimination due to their sexual orientation, making it difficult to form close relationships with others who share similar experiences. In collectivist cultures, family reputation is often highly valued, and young people are expected to uphold the family's honor by adhering to cultural norms and values.