Coming out', defined in terms of identifying self as lesbian, as well as disclosure of this information to others, is seen as an issue only within a heterosexist society. Heterosexism serves to reflect and create social representations, containing inflexible conceptualizations of gender, and social identities, incorporating power inequalities. The study was based on content analysis of individual semi-structured depth interviews, with forty lesbians on perceptions and experiences of coming out; thirty heterosexual women and men on attitudes to homosexuality; and twenty women on communication with family and friends. Lesbian and heterosexual interviews were supplemented with stereotype tasks, including the Bem Sex-Role Inventory and the Personal Attributes Questionnaire. Coming out to self was shown to be based upon strong emotional feelings directed towards women, together with awareness of lesbianism as an option, and a level of emotional acceptance of homosexuality. Coming out to family, heterosexual friends etc. involved risks and benefits. The study revealed a social context reflecting lesbian 'invisibility', heterosexuals' lack of interest and minimal contact with lesbians; perceptions of threat and abnormality; and a masculine, abnormal, aggressive, lesbian stereotype. Heterosexual subjects defined 'lesbian' in terms of sex only, and perceived lesbians as masculine. Lesbian subjects perceived lesbianism as more than sex, and lesbians as androgynous. Communication issues most similar to coming out concerned identity, relationships, or a different way of life; threat, loss or stigma; or reactions of others. Case studies analysed within Breakwell's threatened identity model suggested extension of the theory to include additional identity principles of authenticity/integrity and affiliation. It is argued that changes, at the level of social representations, relating to gender conceptualization, and the consequent power inequalities, are necessary for aiding the coming out process.

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This study explored psychological distress and well-being in the (HIV negative) partners of gay men with HIV infection and related illness. The role of coping as a moderating variable was investigated. Other moderating variables known to influence level of distress for carers (such as social support, quality of the relationship and life events) were also examined. 35 partners made up the final sample. Clinically significant levels of distress were found. Several coping strategies were significantly (p < .05) correlated with psychological distress and well-being. These strategies were: acceptance, behavioural disengagement, mental disengagement, focusing on emotions, and suppression of competing activities. Regression analysis showed that significant amounts of the variance in psychological distress were explained by some of these strategies. Other factors that were also important predictors in the regression equations included: the overall health of the patients, the satisfaction with social support, other stressful life events, and previous experience of HIV related bereavement. Clinical implications, methodological issues and avenues for future research are discussed.

Faculty of Humanities School of Human and Community Development 0316309j / This study sought to explore the process of disclosure among a group black South African homosexuals. Specifically, the study investigated the factors that inhibit and/or facilitate disclosure, how obstacles to disclosure are dealt with, as well as consequences of disclosure. Snowballing sampling method was used to select appropriate participants. A sample was drawn from ACTIVATE; a Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Club from University of the Witwatersrand. The sample comprised of six male participants, between the ages of eighteen (18) and twenty-five (25), who are living openly, either partially or fully, as homosexuals. Data was gathered using a semi-structured interview schedule. The face-to-face individual interviews were audio taped. The interviews were transcribed and data was analysed using the thematic content analysis method. The results of the study indicated that disclosure is a significant process that most homosexuals are bound to face or at least consider. Among the factors identified as playing a role in facilitating disclosure are self-acceptance and identification of self with the homosexual identity. Acceptance by family and society also proved to be important in facilitating the process of disclosure. Inability to acceptance one’s sexual orientation and lack of social support are among the factors that tend to hamper the process of disclosure. Difficulties faced with during the process of disclosure include rejection by family and society which is accompanied by discrimination based on sexual orientation. As much as disclosure brings about a sense of relief and the freedom to express one’s sexuality, it can also bring about feelings of ambivalence. An individual has to now reject the heterosexual orientation which is considered “normal” to pursue a homosexual identity that corresponds with one’s feelings but is considered “immoral”. Disclosure is a difficult process and individuals who wish to disclose often anticipate negative responses from their next of kin and society. Subsequently, it becomes undesirable to disclose under such circumstances. If society were more accepting towards homosexuality, homosexuals would be encouraged to disclose their sexual orientation without the fear of being rejected and discriminated against.

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Historically, any stigma surrounding sexuality places a burden on individuals who do not self-identify as heterosexuals collectively referred to as "sexual minority". Sexual minority university students possess multiple identities due to experiences of discrimination and victimization on university campuses (Mays & Cochran, 2000). These minority groups appear to have higher rates of anxiety, depression, substance use disorders and suicidal behaviour when compared to heterosexual students. This stigrnatisation and victimisation has led to the current study focusing on the psychological wellbeing, identity crisis and resilience of sexual minority students in a South African University. The researcher followed a narrative oriented design within the qualitative research approach. Data was collected through a narrative oriented design that allowed the researcher to dig deeper into the life experiences of the students from both individual and collective perspectives. Data was analysed thematically and feelings, values and meanings were connected through ideas and personal view points. Snowball sampling was used. The sample consisted of 11 African students, 4 gays and 7 lesbians with an age range between 19 and 24 years were recruited from different faculties and levels of study. Three major themes were extracted during analysis and the principal outcome of the study was that homosexuals have a major challenge in their future in the work industry. The results also indicated a poor psychological wellbeing with the students, some identity crisis and moderate resilience. / Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.(Clinical Psychology) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2014

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El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la correlación entre los niveles de autoconcepto y resiliencia en homosexuales adultos de Lima. Para ello, se evaluó una muestra de 122 participantes de ambos géneros; el 45.9% hombres (n=56) y el 54.1% mujeres (n=66) cuyas edades fluctúa entre los 18 y 67 años siendo la edad promedio 26 años (7.239). Asimismo, se les aplicó la Escala de Resiliencia de Wagnild y Young y la Escala de Autoconcepto Personal. Los resultados presentan evidencia de validez y confiabilidad de ambos instrumentos, además se presenta una correlación inversa altamente significativa (-.561**) entre ambas variables. Los resultados obtenidos fueron analizados y discutidos de acuerdo al objetivo planteado. / The objective of this study was to analyze the correlation between the levels of self-concept and resilience in adults homosexuals in Lima. For this, a sample of 122 participants of both genders was evaluated; 45.9% men (n = 56) and 54.1% women (n = 66) whose ages fluctuate between 18 and 67 years with the average age being 26 years (7.239). In addition, the Wagnild and Young Resilience Scale and the Personal Self-concept Scale were applied. The results present evidence of validity and reliability of both instruments, in addition a highly significant inverse correlation (-.561**) is presented between both variables. The results obtained were analyzed and discussed according to the proposed objective. / Tesis