Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


akron1185147782.pdf (1.55 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Coming-Out Growth: Conceptualizing and Measuring Stress-Related Growth Associated with Coming Out to Others as Gay or Lesbian

Vaughan, Michelle D., M.A.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1185147782

Abstract Details

2007, Doctor of Philosophy, University of Akron, Counseling Psychology.
Stress-related growth (SRG; experiences of self-reported growth associated with a stressor), has been widely studied in psychology (Park, 1998). This research has documented the frequency and validity of SRG, as well as the relationship between stressor characteristics and types/patterns of SRG (Tennen & Affleck, 1996). However, this literature has neglected SRG from non-traumatic events, despite evidence that identity development (e.g., Cass, 1996; Erikson, 1959; McCarn & Fassinger, 1996) is highly stressful and growth-enhancing. Within lesbian and gay (LG) identity development, coming out to others has been linked to growth (e.g., Oswald, 2000; Rhoads, 1995), although these experiences of coming out growth (COG) have not been studied systematically. The present study investigated the nature of experiences of COG in a sample of 418 out LG individuals. COG, as measured by the Coming Out Growth Scale (COGS), was found to have a two-dimensional structure. Individualistic Growth (IG) captured gains in authenticity, well-being, and personal identity, while Collectivistic Growth (CG), captured growth in LG social functioning, attitudes, and involvement. COGS scores related in expected ways to SRG constructs (general SRG, optimism, stress, social desirability) and LG identity constructs (outness, sexual experience, identity stage/phase). Unlike general SRG, levels of COG were similar for men and women. Results of this study support the assertion that coming out produces growth in a number of domains that are vital to both personality and identity growth. Strengths and limitations of the present study, as well as recommendations for future research regarding other predictors of COG, are also discussed.
Charles Waehler (Advisor)
303 p.
Psychology, Clinical
Homosexuality; Coming Out; Stress-related Growth; Identity Development; Gay; Lesbian; Growth; Measures

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Vaughan, M.A., M. D. (2007). Coming-Out Growth: Conceptualizing and Measuring Stress-Related Growth Associated with Coming Out to Others as Gay or Lesbian [Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1185147782

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Vaughan, M.A., Michelle. Coming-Out Growth: Conceptualizing and Measuring Stress-Related Growth Associated with Coming Out to Others as Gay or Lesbian. 2007. University of Akron, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1185147782.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Vaughan, M.A., Michelle. "Coming-Out Growth: Conceptualizing and Measuring Stress-Related Growth Associated with Coming Out to Others as Gay or Lesbian." Doctoral dissertation, University of Akron, 2007. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1185147782

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1185147782
3,424
© 2007, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.