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IN AND OUT OF THE CLOSET: HOW PARENTS OF GAY AND LESBIAN INDIVIDUALS DISCLOSE THE FAMILY SECRET TO OUTSIDERS

CALDWELL, MICHELE E.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1085429850

Abstract Details

2004, MA, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences : Communication.
This study examines how parents disclose a child’s gay/lesbian identity to outsiders as a signifier of true acceptance of the child’s identity. The closet metaphor has been applied not only to gay and lesbian individuals who are hiding their homosexuality from those who perceive them to be heterosexual, but the metaphor has also been applied to parents of gay and lesbian individuals. The secret is unique because literature on family secrets discusses the solidarity among secret-keepers, but keeping the secret of a child’s homosexuality may have detrimental effects on the child’s identity and self-esteem. A preliminary study found evidence of a three-phase model of acceptance that includes going into the closet, feeling good about the issues, and coming out of the closet. The current study found evidence of this phasic model that includes variations of popular grief models, plus extended behavioral and communicative actions that make up a more comprehensive model for how parents cope with, accept, and disclose the family secret of a child’s gay/lesbian identity. Further, the study includes analysis of general versus specific disclosures and the differences between mothers’ and fathers’ reactions. A unique online method was used to gather nationwide participation.
Dr. Stephen Haas (Advisor)
80 p.
Homosexuality; Family Secrets; Self-Disclosure; Grief Model; Parental Reactions

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • CALDWELL, M. E. (2004). IN AND OUT OF THE CLOSET: HOW PARENTS OF GAY AND LESBIAN INDIVIDUALS DISCLOSE THE FAMILY SECRET TO OUTSIDERS [Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1085429850

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • CALDWELL, MICHELE. IN AND OUT OF THE CLOSET: HOW PARENTS OF GAY AND LESBIAN INDIVIDUALS DISCLOSE THE FAMILY SECRET TO OUTSIDERS. 2004. University of Cincinnati, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1085429850.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • CALDWELL, MICHELE. "IN AND OUT OF THE CLOSET: HOW PARENTS OF GAY AND LESBIAN INDIVIDUALS DISCLOSE THE FAMILY SECRET TO OUTSIDERS." Master's thesis, University of Cincinnati, 2004. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1085429850

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1085429850
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© 2004, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.