A Dual-Identity Framework for Understanding Lesbian Experience

Adam W. Fingerhut · Letitia Anne Peplau · Negin Ghavami

85 citations0/0 files storedPsychology of Women Quarterly

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LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy Gender and Feminist Studies Racial and Ethnic Identity Research

Abstract

The diverse life experiences of contemporary lesbians are shaped by women's differing ties to two social worlds, the majority heterosexual society and the minority subculture of the lesbian or sexual-minority world. This article presents a detailed conceptual analysis of a dual-identity framework that emphasizes lesbians' simultaneous affiliations with both lesbian and mainstream/heterosexual communities. The usefulness of this approach is discussed, with emphasis on implications for understanding individual differences in exposure to gay-related stress and mental health. Results from a survey of 116 lesbians showed that scores on measures of Lesbian Identity and Mainstream Identity were not significantly correlated with each other. Both lesbian and mainstream identities were significantly related to lesbians' reported experiences of discrimination, feelings of internalized homophobia, and life satisfaction. Limitations of the dual-identity framework and suggestions for future research are considered.

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References

1985The Satisfaction With Life Scale 2003Prejudice, social stress, and mental health in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: Conceptual issues and research evidence.1995Minority Stress and Mental Health in Gay Men 1992The Multigroup Ethnic Identity Measure 1992A Collective Self-Esteem Scale: Self-Evaluation of One's Social Identity 1993Psychological impact of biculturalism: Evidence and theory.1989Acculturation Attitudes in Plural Societies 2003Prevalence of mental disorders, psychological distress, and mental health services use among lesbian, gay, and bisexual adults in the United States.

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2011Testing a model of minority identity achievement, identity affirmation, and psychological well-being among ethnic minority and sexual minority individuals.2016Toward an Intersectional Approach in Developmental Science 2008Exploring Complexities of Multiple Identities of Lesbians in a Black College Environment.2009Acculturation Strategies and Mental Health in Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youth 2009LGB Identity and Eudaimonic Well Being in Midlife

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