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Coming Out as LGBTQ +: The Role Strength-Based Parenting on Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth

Journal of Happiness Studies volume 22, pages 1359–1383 (2021)Cite this article

Abstract

For LGBTQ + individuals, coming out can be an experience of marked adversity. Indeed, research has shown that the experience can trigger psychological ill-health (e.g. depression and anxiety) as well as posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) such as sleep disturbance, somatic symptoms and cognitive distress. While studies have investigated the pain associated with coming out, much less is known about the potential for this life event to lead to growth. The aim of the current study, therefore, was to explore levels of posttraumatic stress and the presence of posttraumatic growth (PTG) in LGBTQ + adults who had come out. Additionally, this study examined that the role that strength-based parenting plays in levels of PTSS and PTG after coming out. The interaction between SBP, PTSS and PTG was examined in a Peruvian sample of LGBTQ + individuals who had disclosed their sexual and/or gender minority identity to parents (N = 208). The results showed, firstly, that individuals experienced both PTSS and PTG; secondly, that SBP plays a direct protective role (reducing PTSS) and a promoting role (increasing PTG); and thirdly, that SBP indirectly influenced PTG through its inverse relationship with PTSS. Bisexual individuals experience less growth than other LGBTQ + individuals in the all PTG dimensions, illustrating an additional difficulty for this minority group. The results are discussed in light of leading researchers, clinicians and LGBTQ + individuals towards growth-based outcomes following identity disclosure.

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Notes

  1. Frost and Meyer (2009) define internalized homonegativity as the LGBTQ + individual internalising society’s negative views of homosexuality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, Av. Universitaria 1801, 15088, San Miguel, Lima, Peru

    Claudia Zavala

  2. Centre for Positive Psychology, Melbourne Graduate School of Education, University of Melbourne, 100 Leicester Street, Carlton, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia

    Lea Waters

Authors
  1. Claudia Zavala
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Correspondence to Claudia Zavala.

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Zavala, C., Waters, L. Coming Out as LGBTQ +: The Role Strength-Based Parenting on Posttraumatic Stress and Posttraumatic Growth. J Happiness Stud 22, 1359–1383 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-020-00276-y

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Keywords

  • LGBTQ +
  • Coming out
  • Posttraumatic growth
  • Posttraumatic stress
  • Strength-based parenting
  • Positive psychology