Conceptualizing the closet: Differentiating stigma concealment and nondisclosure processes.

Abstract

Individuals with concealable stigmatized identities face many options regarding whether, when, how, and to whom to conceal or disclose information about their marginalized social status. Numerous studies have examined the psychosocial health consequences of different stigma concealment and disclosure processes, but research in this area is hindered by a relative lack of attention to potential differences among these stigma management variables. The present research investigated the distinctness of stigma management constructs in a population viewed as holding an indiscernible stigmatized identity: lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) university students. In Study 1, the psychometric properties of a 6-item measure assessing recent effortful concealment of sexual orientation were examined in a sample of 353 LGB university students. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses in separate subsamples supported the hypothesized single factor structure, and offered preliminary support for the reliability and validity of scores. In Study 2, 301 LGB university students completed an online survey including 3 measures of stigma management: concealment behavior, concealment motivation, and nondisclosure. Also included were measures of psychological health (depression, life satisfaction), negative social identity (self-stigma, acceptance concerns), and positive social identity (membership esteem, identity strength). Each stigma management variable uniquely predicted a different combination of psychosocial variables, supporting the notion that each is a distinct construct. Concealment behavior uniquely predicted psychological health and negative identity variables, concealment motivation uniquely predicted positive and negative identity variables, and nondisclosure uniquely predicted positive identity variables. Implications of these results are discussed in light of literature on management of indiscernible stigmatized identities.

Impact of Social Context on the Self-Concept of Gay and Lesbian Youth: A Systematic Review

“…Underpinning this finding, Kosciw et al (2012) reported, after examining a sample of sexual minority high school students, that being more out to one's environment was significantly related to higher levels of self-esteem. Recent evidence from Jackson and Mohr (2016) is in line with the body of these findings, suggesting that there is a significant association between concealing one's sexual orientation and higher levels of self-stigma, lower life satisfaction, as well as lower levels of identity strength. Contradictory to the supporting evidence, other studies (Russell & Joyner, 2001;Diamond & Lucas, 2004) have found that although sexual minority youth may have positive, accepting, and nurturing environments, they may still present lower self-esteem because of internalized issues with peer group belonging.…”

Male-partnered sexual minority women: Sexual identity disclosure to health care providers during the perinatal period.

“…Given that women generally indicated that they did not try to conceal their sexual histories, interventions that focus on disclosure to providers may be misplaced, in light of work suggesting that it is concealment (which may be motivated by internalized homophobia) that has the most negative effects on well-being (Dyar et al, 2015; Jackson & Mohr, 2016). And yet, efforts to facilitate disclosure (e.g., via affirming environmental cues) may be beneficial, in that providers are better equipped to offer appropriate referrals if they know patients’ sexual histories.…”

Orientación sexual y trastorno de ansiedad social: una revisión sistematica

“…En consecuencia, se espera que un grupo de personas no conformes con la propia orientación sexual intente ocultarla o disimularla lo mejor 60,61 . Sin duda, este proceso de encubrimiento es más eficaz cuando existe mayor congruencia con el género esperado y, por lo tanto, se asume que el género es completamente armónico con la orientación sexual esperada, es decir, heterosexual 62 .…”