For gays and lesbians, the rewards of 'coming out' often depend on the support of the local community.
For gays and lesbians, the rewards of 'coming out' often depend on the support of the local community.
Research has shown that gays, lesbians or bisexuals who reveal their sexual orientation typically boost their self-esteem and experience less anger and depression. Disclosing one's sexual identity makes people even happier than previously thought. However, the benefits of disclosing their sexual orientation are limited to socially supportive settings, and may not apply to those exposed to hostile or judgmental environments.
Previous research has found that openness allows gay people to develop an authentic sense of themselves and to cultivate a positive minority sexual identity. The researchers pointed out, however, that by making no distinction between the different environments in which people came out, previous studies underestimated just how beneficial revealing one's sexual orientation can be when done in a supportive setting.
After questioning 161 American lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years, about their experiences with friends, family, coworkers, school peers, and religious community, researchers found that those who were open about their sexuality amid accepting groups had psychological benefits. Among hostile groups however, the stigma and consequences associated with identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual negated any benefits.
Environment plays a huge role in determining when coming out actually makes one happier. In more judgmental contexts, those who come out may actually feel no better than those who conceal. The researchers noted participants most often kept their sexual orientation hidden in environments they described as controlling and judgmental. In fact, 69 percent of those interviewed still remained 'in the closet' within their religious communities. Half of those questioned kept their sexual orientation a secret at school, 45 percent hid it from co-workers and 36 percent did not reveal their sexual orientation to their families. The vast majority, or 87 percent, reported feeling significantly less anger and higher self-esteem with friends than with any other group.
The findings stress the importance of creating environments that are accepting of all people, particularly gay, lesbian or bisexual individuals.
Research has shown that gays, lesbians or bisexuals who reveal their sexual orientation typically boost their self-esteem and experience less anger and depression. Disclosing one's sexual identity makes people even happier than previously thought. However, the benefits of disclosing their sexual orientation are limited to socially supportive settings, and may not apply to those exposed to hostile or judgmental environments.
Previous research has found that openness allows gay people to develop an authentic sense of themselves and to cultivate a positive minority sexual identity. The researchers pointed out, however, that by making no distinction between the different environments in which people came out, previous studies underestimated just how beneficial revealing one's sexual orientation can be when done in a supportive setting.
After questioning 161 American lesbian, gay, and bisexual individuals, ranging in age from 18 to 65 years, about their experiences with friends, family, coworkers, school peers, and religious community, researchers found that those who were open about their sexuality amid accepting groups had psychological benefits. Among hostile groups however, the stigma and consequences associated with identifying as lesbian, gay, or bisexual negated any benefits.
Environment plays a huge role in determining when coming out actually makes one happier. In more judgmental contexts, those who come out may actually feel no better than those who conceal. The researchers noted participants most often kept their sexual orientation hidden in environments they described as controlling and judgmental. In fact, 69 percent of those interviewed still remained 'in the closet' within their religious communities. Half of those questioned kept their sexual orientation a secret at school, 45 percent hid it from co-workers and 36 percent did not reveal their sexual orientation to their families. The vast majority, or 87 percent, reported feeling significantly less anger and higher self-esteem with friends than with any other group.
The findings stress the importance of creating environments that are accepting of all people, particularly gay, lesbian or bisexual individuals.
COMMENT
DoctorNDTV is the one stop site for all your health needs providing the most credible health information, health news and tips with expert advice on healthy living, diet plans, informative videos etc. You can get the most relevant and accurate info you need about health problems like diabetes, cancer, pregnancy, HIV and AIDS, weight loss and many other lifestyle diseases. We have a panel of over 350 experts who help us develop content by giving their valuable inputs and bringing to us the latest in the world of healthcare.
