Different Patterns of Sexual Identity Development over Time: Implications for the Psychological Adjustment of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths
2009/11/13 by Margaret Rosario, Eric W. Schrimshaw, Joyce Hunter · 223 citations
Medicine · Psychology · #Clinical psychology #Developmental psychology #Distress #Gender Identity Disorder #Gender identity #Gender studies #Heterosexuality #Homosexuality #Human sexuality #Identity (music) #LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy #Lesbian #Mental health #Psychological distress #Psychology #Psychotherapist #Reproductive Health and Technologies #Sexual identity #Sexual minority #Sexual orientation #Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology #Social psychology #Sociology
paper · doi:10.1080/00224490903331067
published in The Journal of Sex Research 48(1), 3-15 (Taylor & Francis)
openalex publication_date 2009/11/13 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/08/01
Abstract
Despite research documenting variability in the sexual identity development of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youths, it remains unclear whether different developmental patterns have implications for the psychological adjustment of LGB youths. This report longitudinally examines whether different patterns of LGB identity formation and integration are associated with indicators of psychological adjustment among an ethnically diverse sample of 156 LGB youths (ages 14-21) in New York City. Although differences in the timing of identity formation were not associated with psychological adjustment, greater identity integration was related to less depressive and anxious symptoms, fewer conduct problems, and higher self-esteem both cross-sectionally and longitudinally. Individual changes in identity integration over time were associated with all four aspects of psychological adjustment, even after controlling for rival hypotheses concerning family and friend support, gay-related stress, negative social relationships, and other covariates. These findings suggest that difficulties in developing an integrated LGB identity may have negative implications for the psychological adjustment of LGB youths and that efforts to reduce distress among LGB youths should address the youths' identity integration.
Citations
Cited by
- “I can be the weird STEM kid who is also gay”: Queer rightful presence in STEM making
- Operationalization of Three Dimensions of Sexual Orientation in a National Survey of Late Adolescents
- Homelessness among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth: implications for subsequent internalizing and externalizing symptoms. [europepmc]
- Identity profiles in lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth: the role of family influences. [europepmc]
- Disclosure and concealment of sexual orientation and the mental health of non-gay-identified, behaviorally bisexual men. [europepmc]
- Repeated changes in reported sexual orientation identity linked to substance use behaviors in youth. [europepmc]
- Disparities in depressive distress by sexual orientation in emerging adults: the roles of attachment and stress paradigms. [europepmc]
- Developmental change in the relationship between alcohol and drug use before sex and sexual risk behavior in young men who have sex with men. [europepmc]
- Resilience in community: a social ecological development model for young adult sexual minority women. [europepmc]
- Sexual orientation identity change and depressive symptoms: a longitudinal analysis. [europepmc]
- Developmental Change in the Effects of Sexual Partner and Relationship Characteristics on Sexual Risk Behavior in Young Men Who Have Sex with Men. [europepmc]
- Longitudinal Associations among Discordant Sexual Orientation Dimensions and Hazardous Drinking in a Cohort of Sexual Minority Women. [europepmc]
- The mental health of sexual minority adults in and out of the closet: A population-based study. [europepmc]
- Sexuality (and Lack Thereof) in Adolescence and Early Adulthood: A Review of the Literature. [europepmc]
- Sexual orientation and symptoms of common mental disorder or low wellbeing: combined meta-analysis of 12 UK population health surveys. [europepmc]
- Sexual Identity Mobility and Depressive Symptoms: A Longitudinal Analysis of Moderating Factors Among Sexual Minority Women. [europepmc]
- Variations in Sexual Identity Milestones among Lesbians, Gay Men and Bisexuals. [europepmc]
- The Intersection of Sociocultural Factors and Health-Related Behavior in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Youth: Experiences Among Young Black Gay Males as an Example. [europepmc]
- Psychosocial Risk and Protective Factors for Depression Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer Youth: A Systematic Review. [europepmc]
- A Framework for Using eHealth Interventions to Overcome Medical Mistrust Among Sexual Minority Men of Color Living with Chronic Conditions. [europepmc]
- Stress, Coping, and Context: Examining Substance Use Among LGBTQ Young Adults With Probable Substance Use Disorders. [europepmc]
- A Mobile Sexual Health App on Empowerment, Education, and Prevention for Young Adult Men (MyPEEPS Mobile): Acceptability and Usability Evaluation. [europepmc]
- Romantic relationships and sexual minority health: A review and description of the Dyadic Health Model. [europepmc]
- Association of Coming Out as Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual+ and Risk of Cigarette Smoking in a Nationally Representative Sample of Youth and Young Adults. [europepmc]
- Sexual Orientation Identity Development Milestones Among Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Queer People: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. [europepmc]
- Integrating time into stigma and health research. [europepmc]
- A Developmental Model of the Sexual Minority Closet: Structural Sensitization, Psychological Adaptations, and Post-closet Growth. [europepmc]
Related