Most research on lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals focuses on the negative aspects and mental health problems that can lead to what has been defined as minority stress. However, a positive self-image is recognized as an important component of well-being. Although LGB persons often face significant challenges, they may also find significant opportunities for creating positive identities that contribute to their well-being. Italian LGB adult population struggled over the years to maintain resilience while having to actively confront hetero normative pressure and oppression, still present in Italian society. This study takes a resilience based approach to explore the perceived positive aspects of LGB adults, using qualitative method. The answers to an open ended question were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Italian adults report themes that reflect individual and relational positive aspects referred to their self-identification as a gay, lesbian or bisexual person. Particularly, they refer a perceived sense of freedom, both at an individual level and as an intergroup comparison with the majority norms and lifestyles. These findings suggest that LGB individuals are not only able to cope with minority stress and develop resilience, but are able to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Beyond minority stress: positive perceptions in gay and lesbian adults in Italy / Dolfi, M.; Meringolo, P.. - ELETTRONICO. - (2016), pp. 43-43. (Intervento presentato al convegno Global Dialogues on Critical Knowledge and Liberation in Community Psychology tenutosi a Durban nel 27-30 May 2016).

Beyond minority stress: positive perceptions in gay and lesbian adults in Italy

DOLFI, MARAH;MERINGOLO, PATRIZIA
2016

Abstract

Most research on lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) individuals focuses on the negative aspects and mental health problems that can lead to what has been defined as minority stress. However, a positive self-image is recognized as an important component of well-being. Although LGB persons often face significant challenges, they may also find significant opportunities for creating positive identities that contribute to their well-being. Italian LGB adult population struggled over the years to maintain resilience while having to actively confront hetero normative pressure and oppression, still present in Italian society. This study takes a resilience based approach to explore the perceived positive aspects of LGB adults, using qualitative method. The answers to an open ended question were analysed using a grounded theory approach. Italian adults report themes that reflect individual and relational positive aspects referred to their self-identification as a gay, lesbian or bisexual person. Particularly, they refer a perceived sense of freedom, both at an individual level and as an intergroup comparison with the majority norms and lifestyles. These findings suggest that LGB individuals are not only able to cope with minority stress and develop resilience, but are able to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
2016
Global Dialogues on Critical Knowledge and Liberation in Community Psychology
Global Dialogues on Critical Knowledge and Liberation in Community Psychology
Durban
Dolfi, M.; Meringolo, P.
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Utilizza questo identificatore per citare o creare un link a questa risorsa: https://hdl.handle.net/2158/1052729
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