How do disclosure decisions regarding sexual orientation affect stress, identity coherence, and social relationships for LGBT individuals?
Discussing one's sexual orientation can be difficult for many people. It is often seen as a personal matter that may lead to rejection or discrimination from friends, family members, co-workers, employers, religious leaders, or even strangers.
This does not necessarily mean that the decision to keep it private is always easy. In fact, there are several psychological factors involved in whether or not someone chooses to come out publicly about their sexual identity. This essay will explore how these decisions can affect the wellbeing of LGBT individuals by examining the concept of 'identity coherence', which refers to an individual's ability to feel comfortable and consistent in all aspects of their life.
It will consider how disclosure decisions may impact stress levels due to fears of prejudice and discrimination, as well as social relationships and their potential consequences.
Stress
When a person experiences anxiety due to fear of prejudice and discrimination, they may be more likely to keep their sexuality hidden in order to avoid negative reactions. According to research by Dr. Michael Cunningham et al., disclosing one's LGBT status was associated with increased risk for depression and anxiety among college students. A study conducted by Dr. Kevin Nadal found that LGBT people who kept their identities secret were more likely than those who did not to report higher levels of stress and perceived stigma, while another study led by Dr. Brian Doss showed that concealing one's orientation could cause feelings of isolation and loneliness. These findings suggest that coming out publicly can lead to lower stress levels overall, but also highlight the need for support systems and acceptance from friends, family, and society at large.
Identity coherence
One theory posits that when an individual has strong personal beliefs about their sexual identity and feels accepted by others, this results in 'identity integration'.
Keeping one's orientation private creates an internal conflict between being true to oneself and avoiding external judgement, leading to what is known as 'identity incongruence'. This can result in a sense of emotional distress and confusion over time, potentially affecting mental health negatively. It has been shown in studies that individuals who experience high levels of stress related to concealed identity tend to have lower self-esteem, greater difficulty managing emotions, and are less satisfied with life overall.
They often feel isolated from both LGBT and heterosexual communities due to fear of being rejected or misunderstood.
Social relationships
The decision to disclose one's sexuality may impact social interactions in various ways.
Some studies have shown that friends and family members may withdraw support after learning of someone's gay or lesbian identity, resulting in fewer close ties and increased anxiety. Others have suggested that revealing one's sexual orientation can improve intimacy within relationships and increase comfortability with potential partners.
Dr. Elizabeth Peel notes that this depends on whether there are shared values and expectations around issues such as monogamy, commitment, and gender roles. She also points out that coming out publicly might be more advantageous for those who live in accepting environments or have already built up a strong sense of self-confidence prior to disclosure.
The decision to share or hide one's sexual orientation has far-reaching implications for wellbeing. While it is important to consider personal safety and acceptance from others when making this choice, research suggests that avoiding prejudice and discrimination by staying 'in the closet' can lead to increased feelings of isolation and decreased mental health. On the other hand, coming out publicly can result in improved social relationships and a stronger sense of self-worth if done in an environment where individuals feel safe and supported. As such, it is crucial for individuals and society at large to create spaces where everyone feels comfortable expressing themselves without fear of judgment or repercussions.
How do disclosure decisions regarding sexual orientation affect stress, identity coherence, and social relationships for LGBT individuals?
The decision of whether to disclose one's sexual orientation can have both positive and negative effects on an individual's stress levels, identity coherence, and social relationships within the LGBT community. On one hand, coming out can be liberating and empowering, as it allows people to live authentically and openly with others who share their same sexual identity. This can lead to greater feelings of self-acceptance and increased social support from others within the community.