<p> The stigma associated with being a sexual minority poses a psychological challenge for people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual/transgendered, and queer (LGBTQ). This population has been found to experience more mental health concerns, higher reports of prejudice and discrimination, as well as physical and sexual violence, among other difficulties. The current study examined if the psychological distress that results as a consequence of stigma-related stress will be moderated by the individual's coping style. Data from 635 volunteer participants were examined. Variables that were assessed included voluntary engagement and disengagement coping strategies, psychological distress (specifically, depression, anxiety, and stress), internalized homonegativity/binegativity, perceived stigma, general stress, as well as demographic variables. Multiple regression models were analyzed to determine the extent to which perceived stigma predicted psychological distress, and the extent to which different coping styles moderated that relationship. The prediction that psychological distress would be positively associated with perceived stigma, internalized homonegativity/binegativity, and general stress was supported. The prediction that an overall positive relationship between perceived stigma and psychological distress would be stronger among those who relied heavily on voluntary disengagement coping and less strong among those who relied heavily on voluntary engagement coping was not supported by the data, although engagement coping was related lower levels of depression and disengagement coping was related to higher levels of distress in general. Finally, the prediction that a positive association between perceived stigma and psychological distress would hold even when controlling for general stressors was also supported. Further supplemental analyses were examined and limitations and future directions were discussed.</p>

<p> Transpersonal genealogy is the experience of feeling pulled toward and guided by deceased ancestors in researching their history, and how such genealogy enriches the psychospiritual development of the researcher. In this autoethnographic study, I explored such experience and enrichment by composing a narrative of my own ancestor's life as an early Mormon in the 19th century juxtaposed against my lived experience as a lesbian in the late 20th and early 21st century. Based on primary sources, historical documents, family lore, and my own felt-sense, I constructed a narrative that explored the lived experience of my fourth great grandmother, Elizabeth "Betsey" Arnold n&eacute;e Bliss. Contemporary sources and my own personal narrative were woven together with Betsey's story. Significant events in both of our lives were compared to demonstrate how my pull to learn more about her life has brought exceptional insight into the events of my own life. Creative expression further deepened my understanding and focus on significant events in both Betsey's and my life. I wrote the first 3 chapters (Introduction, Literature Review, and Research Method), conferred with 2 of Betsey's other descendants: 1 of my cousins who was a bishop in the Mormon Church to corroborate his understanding of the church's history and doctrine, and a second of my Mormon cousins on her transpersonal experiences conducting genealogy. Then through Michael Harner's approach to shamanic journeying, I contacted our shared ancestor regarding the details of her story and how they intertwined with mine. I wove the results of the interviews including the recurring themes of societal and personal neglect, persecution, perseverance, and resilience throughout the narrative comprising the fourth chapter. In the final chapter, I provided a reflection on my experience of the dissertation process including potential applications and transpersonal implications of the results, how I was transformed by the research, and ideas for future study. </p>

<p> The initial impression a client formulates about the therapist is critical to establishing a deep and meaningful working alliance. The traditional intake interview protocol is fraught with heterocentric biases and heteronormative assumptions, thereby failing to provide an affirming experience for non-heterosexual clients or potentially overlooks issues relevant to competently serve the psychological needs of LGB clients. This dissertation endeavors to respond to the growing need for the clinical application of LGB affirmative approaches. An overview of the following bodies of literature is offered: (a) consequences of heterosexism on the lives of LGB individuals, (b) heterosexism and the field of psychology, (c) perceived competence of therapists treating LGB clients, (d) current practices in working clinically with LGB clients, and (e) intersection of multiple cultural considerations. Based on a synthesis of the literature, feedback from experts in the field, and a critical review of existing intake protocols, preliminary suggestions for engaging in an LGB affirming initial therapeutic experience is offered. 4 major areas of clinical considerations for engaging in an affirmative intake process are discussed: (a) creating an affirming environment, (b) the initial intake process, (c) important considerations specific to members of the LGB community; and (d) therapist competencies. Finally, intake questions for consideration in intake forms or during the course of an intake interview are presented.</p>

<p> In the United States, workplace discrimination against African-Americans and women has been a primary focus of Industrial/Organizational psychology research (Ruggs, Law, Cox, Roehling, Wiener, Hebl, &amp; Barron, 2013). I hope to broaden our understanding of discrimination by examining lesbians and gay men in the workplace. In this 2 (gender) by 2 (sexual orientation) design, lesbians and gay men received the same hiring ratings and salary appointments as heterosexual applicants for a male-oriented job. There were, however, significant differences in agency with lesbians receiving the highest ratings. Results showed that applicants may want to consider the perceptions of agency for a male-oriented job instead of focusing on sexual orientation or gender in the initial hiring process. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.</p>

<p> This qualitative study examined how 14 Latino men attending a large, public institution in California questioned and explored their sexual identities. There is a paucity of literature on the experiences of Latino male students who identify as gay and bisexual. Understanding how these students navigate this aspect of their identity development is important. The findings of this study suggested that the questioning process is a transition that alters relationships, routines, assumptions, and roles. Three themes were identified: how the participants (a) questioned and explored their sexuality, (b) balanced cultural expectations, (c) and came out. Some of the students in this study managed their identities within the Latino community and the gay community while others disengaged from their cultural values and upbringing. </p>

<p> The purpose of the present study was to explore the associations between level of internalized homophobia, experiences of heterosexism, and gender with endorsement of type of humor (self-enhancing, affiliative, self-defeating, and aggressive) used as a coping skill among sexual minority participants. A survey was created and administered online, and participants were recruited by word of mouth, emails, and online postings on Facebook and craigslist. The sample consisted of 146 participants who identified as a sexual minority (i.e. Gay, Lesbian, or Bisexual), with ages ranging from 18 to 70 years. Results indicated a positive direct correlation between participants' level of internalized homophobia and endorsement of self-defeating humor. Results also indicated a positive direct correlation between participants' experiences of heterosexism and endorsement of self-defeating humor. Results indicated no significant correlations among level of internalized homophobia, experiences of heterosexism, and endorsement of aggressive, affiliative, or self-enhancing humor types. In regard to gender and humor type, men in the sample endorsed greater levels of aggressive humor than women in the sample. Results indicated no significant difference between men and women for self-defeating humor. Future research should continue to explore sexual minorities' use of humor. Implications of the present study suggest that clinicians be alert to and explore consequences of utilizing self-defeating and aggressive humor, especially for sexual minorities with more experiences of heterosexism, higher levels of internalized homophobia, and men using aggressive humor. Additionally, adaptive coping skills, such as affiliative and self-enhancing humor, should be encouraged to promote well-being. </p>