Lesbian identity development: An examination of differences across generations.

Parks, Cheryl A.

doi:10.1037/h0080409

Cited by 56 publications

(38 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Understanding the implications of such differences is essential to assess the interactions between individuals, social groups, and changing social structures and contexts (Fredriksen-Golden et al, 2010). Among literature exploring birth cohort (Parks, 1999;Rosenfeld, 1999) differences and maturational factors, it remains evident that the larger social context (Floyd & Bakeman, 2006), plays a significant role in sexual identity development. Dividing older LGBT adults into age groups or identity cohorts (Parks, 1999;Rosenfeld, 1999) provides insight with regard to differing perspectives on the need for advocacy, issues related to social justice (employment, housing, relationships, etc.…”

Section: Life Span Identity Development and Age Cohortsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining Cohort Differences and Resilience among the Aging LGBT Community: Implications for Education and Practice among an Expansively Diverse Population

Dentato

Orwat

Spira

et al. 2014

Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment

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The aging lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community continues to grow considerably while often being faced with unique and unmet needs separate from younger LGBT cohorts or their non-LGBT counterparts. This article explores some of the differences in attitudes among generational cohort groups regarding coming out decisions; sexual risk and safety; the impact of evolving policies within systems and society; as well as the demonstrated strengths and resiliencies of the aging LGBT community. Implications and suggestions for education, training, and best practices among this expansive and diverse population are considered as well as continued research in the field of LGBT aging.

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Section: Life Span Identity Development and Age Cohortsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Examining Cohort Differences and Resilience among the Aging LGBT Community: Implications for Education and Practice among an Expansively Diverse Population

Dentato

Orwat

Spira

et al. 2014

Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment

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“…In terms of sexuality, half of the respondents were aware of same sex attraction in their adolescence or young adulthood and half of the respondents became aware in mid or later life. The major source of the stress for many of the respondents, but not all, could be summarized by the experience of silence (Parks, 1999).…”

Section: Experiences Of Stressmentioning

confidence: 99%

“The Wisdom of Age”: Perspectives on Aging and Growth among Lesbian Older Adults

Putney

Leafmeeker

Hebert

2016

Journal of Gerontological Social Work

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Older lesbian-identified women are a health disparate yet resilient population about whom knowledge is limited and emerging. Among the areas in need of research are older lesbians' experiences of later life and stress-related growth. This article presents the findings from a qualitative study that investigated older lesbians' experiences of adversity and adaptation as they age. In-depth, exploratory interviews were conducted with 12 lesbian-identified women who were between the ages of 65-80. This study applied grounded theory methodology to identify respondents sources of stress and fear, their strengths and coping strategies and how those relate to each other and to their growth in later life. We advance a model of adaptive change that shows how spirituality, social support, and resistance to cultural norms help older lesbian adults cope with loss, illness, and discrimination and develop wisdom in later life. Knowledgeable practitioners can help older lesbian women identify and maintain sources of social support, explore spirituality, and facilitate continuous growth through the end of life. Social workers can advocate for services that are welcoming and affirmative so as to reduce fears of isolation and dependence associated with health decline.

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“…Although there appears to be a biological basis for same-sex attraction (for a review, see Rahman & Wilson, 2003), each individual who experiences this attraction will likely develop a distinct sexual identity due in part to the influence of such cultural factors. For example, in interviews with lesbian participants from varying age groups, Parks (1999) found that participants' sexual identity development, including the timing and the meanings ascribed to developmental events such as coming out, was related to the social and cultural context in which participants developed. Thus, contextual factors, including the effects of the media, should be considered when studying GLB identity.…”

mentioning

confidence: 99%