A content analysis of LGBT-themed positive psychology articles.

Abstract

The primary aim of this content analysis was to examine how strength-based themes were addressed in peer-reviewed psychology literature focused on sexual and/or gender minority populations or related LGBT-affirming institutions/organizations, and published between 1973 and 2011. Results suggest that common positive psychology themes were love, integrity, vitality, citizenship, nonprofit organizations, and LGBT-affirming laws. The authors discuss the relative inclusion of transgender and bisexual individuals and people of color in the literature as a whole, and suggest that future work include a greater focus on strengths in the lives of transgender, queer, and nonidentifying sexual minorities, as well as those with intersecting identities. This article concludes by highlighting areas of positive psychology that may be particularly fruitful avenues for future research in LGBT psychology and suggestions for contributing to future literature on LGBT strengths.

The relations among outness, authenticity, and well-being for bisexual adults.

“…Similar to counseling psychology research broadly, a majority of LGBT-focused research is conceptualized from a deficit model (Vaughan et al, 2014). This occurrence is particularly evident in the frequency of distress and dysfunction serving as outcome variables in LGBT research.…”

“…This occurrence is particularly evident in the frequency of distress and dysfunction serving as outcome variables in LGBT research. In effort to foster a more balanced narrative of LGBT experiences, Vaughan et al (2014) made a call for more positive psychology LGBT research studies and offered a content analysis of existing studies. Specifically, Vaughan et al (2014) pointed to Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi's (2000) three-pillar, strengths-perspective model as a framework for conducting LGBT positive psychology research.…”

“…In effort to foster a more balanced narrative of LGBT experiences, Vaughan et al (2014) made a call for more positive psychology LGBT research studies and offered a content analysis of existing studies. Specifically, Vaughan et al (2014) pointed to Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi's (2000) three-pillar, strengths-perspective model as a framework for conducting LGBT positive psychology research. They suggested that LGBT researchers investigate factors encompassed in one or more of the three pillars as the implications of such research may assist in depathologizing and affirming LGBT identities.…”

“…They suggested that LGBT researchers investigate factors encompassed in one or more of the three pillars as the implications of such research may assist in depathologizing and affirming LGBT identities. Vaughan et al (2014) also noted there has been minimal attention directed at investigating the specific experiences of bisexual, queer, transgender, and LGBT people of color compared to lesbian and gay individuals within LGBT positive psychology studies. This gap in the literature points to a need for the study of positive psychology factors within specific LGBT subgroups, such as bisexual individuals.…”

A systematic review of qualitative studies capturing the subjective experiences of Gay and Lesbian individuals’ of faith or religious affiliation

“…In recent years, LGBT+ issues and experiences have received more attention (Foster, Bowland, & Vosler, 2015;Vaughan, Miles, Parent, Lee, & Tilghman, 2014) with studies exploring a range of factors including demographic differences and the unique intersections of identities, psychological health, mental health and wellbeing, as well as relational factors unique to the population (Foster et al, 2015;Herek et al, 2010;Meyer & Northridge, 2007;Zinnabauer et al, 1997). Whilst a better understanding is being established regarding LGBT+ issues, limited research has explored the subjective psychological experiences of LGBT+ individuals of spirituality or religious affiliation.…”