Brooding Over the Closet: Differentiating Sexual Orientation Rumination and Sexual Orientation Obsessions

Abstract

Two concepts that describe repetitive thoughts regarding an individual’s sexual orientation—sexual orientation rumination and sexual orientation obsessions—have been introduced into the research literature. Despite the fact that these concepts have similarities, important distinctions exist with regard to their theoretical underpinnings, development, and catalyst of stress. As these concepts have never been teased apart in the research literature, understanding how these concepts are similar and different is particularly important. To this end, the present overview synthesizes the current literature regarding these concepts with the purpose of providing a decisional framework for differentiating sexual orientation rumination and sexual orientation obsessions and suggesting areas of future research.