What does it mean to be a successful adult? Exploring perceptions of the transition into adulthood among LGBTQ emerging adults in a community-based service context

Abstract

This study qualitatively explores the application of emerging adulthood theory to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) emerging adults. Researchers explored perspectives of LGBTQ emerging adults and service organization staff on their experiences of aging out of youth services. Descriptions of what success looks like, and self-defined needs associated with the transition from youth to adulthood, were collected through interviews and focus groups. Four conceptual areas emerged from a thematic analysis of the participants' discussions that were identified as characterizing the experiences of LGBTQ emerging adults: (a) community-supported independence, (b) close relationships/family kith, (c) personal preservation, and (d) strength to engage with heteronormative and cisnormative contexts. Researchers explored how these areas converge and diverge from current emerging adult theory and provide considerations for LGBTQ youth community-based services.

Relations Between Sexual and Gender Minority Stress, Personal Hardiness, and Psychological Stress in Emerging Adulthood: Examining Indirect Effects via Human-animal Interaction

“…Emerging adulthood is a developmental stage between the ages of 18 and 25 years that is characterized by adaptations in social roles, identity, and social relationships (Arnett, 2016). For many sexual and gender minority (SGM) people (e.g., lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, and other sexual and gender minority identities), emerging adulthood is characterized by exposure to new cisheteronormative social contexts and expectations (Tan et al, 2020; Wagaman et al, 2014). Due to the potential for fluidity and shift in gender identity, gender expression, and/or sexual orientation, SGM emerging adults frequently encounter concurrent gender and sexual minority stressors which may be covert (e.g., microaggressions) or overt (e.g., interpersonal victimization) in nature.…”

Explaining effective mental health support for LGBTQ+ youth: A meta-narrative review

“…(2004) Baker, Durr, & Scott (2016) Mind Out (2016) O'Hara 2013 Paceley (2016) Painter, Scannapieco, Blau, Andre, and Kohn (2018) Pallotta Chiarolli and Martin (2009) The Proud Trust (2016) Powell, Ellasante, Korchmaros, Haverly, and Stevens (2016) Sadowski, Chow, and Scanlon (2009) Sansfacon et al. (2018) Steinke, Root-Bowman, Estabrook, Levine, and Kantor (2017) Wagaman, Keller, and Cavaliere (2016) Wilkerson et al. (2017) Wilkerson et al.…”

Thematic Analysis of My “Coming Out” Experiences Through an Intersectional Lens: An Autoethnographic Study

“…Parmenter et al (2020b) sought to understand identity development amongst young adults and found that, though participants were 20-25 years old therefore categorized as young adults in Erikson's intimacy versus isolation stage of development (Erikson, 1982), findings highlighted LGBTQ young adults' experiences of identity conflict and exploration. LGBTQ young adults expressed identity consolidation and conflicts in integrating their LGBTQ identity across their lives (Wagaman et al, 2016;Parmenter et al, 2020b). Particularly for LGBTQ young adults with intersecting ethnic or religious identities, their young adult experiences of identity integration were highly distressing and resulted in identity confusion (i.e., identity suppression, compartmentalization, and separation) and decreased levels of life satisfaction (Wagaman et al, 2016;Parmenter et al, 2020b).…”

“…LGBTQ young adults expressed identity consolidation and conflicts in integrating their LGBTQ identity across their lives (Wagaman et al, 2016;Parmenter et al, 2020b). Particularly for LGBTQ young adults with intersecting ethnic or religious identities, their young adult experiences of identity integration were highly distressing and resulted in identity confusion (i.e., identity suppression, compartmentalization, and separation) and decreased levels of life satisfaction (Wagaman et al, 2016;Parmenter et al, 2020b). As Erikson's stages of psychosocial development has been understood as one of the classic stage theories of development, many researchers turn to Erikson's stages of psychosocial development, specifically Erikson's adolescent identity achievement versus conflict stage, to understand identity development in adolescents (Rageliene, 2016).…”