LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender. It refers to people who have romantic or sexual attraction towards members of their own gender or towards both genders, or who identify with their gender but were assigned another at birth. Many studies have shown that coming out as LGBT can be extremely stressful and even traumatic, especially if they face discrimination from family, friends, or society.
Some studies also suggest that being open about one's sexual orientation and identity may result in less stress, more social support, and better mental health. This article will explore how disclosure decisions regarding sexual orientation impact stress, social relationships, and identity coherence in LGBT individuals.
Stress
Disclosing one's sexual orientation has been associated with increased levels of anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions in many LGBT individuals. Coming out involves revealing a personal aspect of oneself that is usually private and socially unaccepted, which can cause feelings of shame, guilt, fear, and rejection. Some LGBT individuals fear losing their jobs, family, friends, or social status when they come out, while others worry about receiving negative responses from the people around them. These factors can lead to chronic stress, which has been linked to numerous physical and mental health problems. In addition, some LGBT individuals report feeling constantly under pressure to prove their heterosexuality due to societal expectations, which can create additional stress.
Social Relationships
Coming out to loved ones can either strengthen existing relationships or damage them beyond repair. While some families and friends are accepting and supportive, others reject their LGBT loved ones or refuse to accept their sexual orientation or gender identity. Such experiences can lead to loneliness, isolation, and feelings of abandonment.
Coming out can put a strain on romantic relationships, especially if the partners do not fully understand what it means to be LGBT.
LGBT individuals may experience discrimination in the workplace, community, and public spaces, leading to further social exclusion and distress.
Identity Coherence
Disclosure decisions can also affect an individual's sense of self-worth, self-esteem, and overall identity coherence. When LGBT individuals feel accepted by society and their social circles, they may have a stronger sense of belonging and purpose. On the other hand, constant rejection, invalidation, and stigma can cause confusion, self-doubt, and low self-esteem. This can lead to difficulty forming a clear sense of identity, as well as increased vulnerability to addiction, suicidality, and other negative behaviors.
Disclosure decisions regarding sexual orientation impact stress, social relationships, and identity coherence in LGBT individuals. Coming out can reduce anxiety and depression but may also result in rejection, loneliness, and further distress. The decision to come out is highly personal and depends on many factors such as family, friends, job security, and cultural attitudes towards LGBT people. It is important for mental health professionals, educators, and allies to create safe spaces where LGBT individuals can express themselves without fear or judgment, and to advocate for policies that protect their rights and dignity.
How do disclosure decisions regarding sexual orientation impact stress, social relationships, and identity coherence in LGBT individuals?
The decision of whether or not to disclose one's sexual orientation can have significant implications on an individual's stress levels, social relationships, and sense of self. Research suggests that openly identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) may lead to increased risk of stigma, discrimination, and prejudice from others (Brown & Herek, 2013).