Internalized Homophobia Case Study

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Recommended: Child abuse effects into adulthood

Hilda Gonzalez
General Psychology RW

Childhood Physical Abuse, Internalized Homophobia, and Experiential
Avoidance Among Lesbians and Gay Men
Sari D. Gold
Brian A. Feinstein
Christopher Skidmore
Brian P. Marx
Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy Vol 3(1),

Fall 2015
Dr. Wiltshire

Review Summary

This study explores the lives of sexual minority individuals who have endured childhood physical abuse, and the long term psychological effects in which it creates. This study in particular sampled members who were solely apart of the LGBT community - 112 adult lesbians and 115 gay men to be exact. Childhood physical abuse is well-known to be detrimental as it is closely related to psychological symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Even worse, it is known to arise high risk behaviors such as suicide thoughts, and substance abuse. Furthermore, it is crucial to understand internalized homophobia and experiential avoidance as it too plays a huge role in the current psychological well being of theses individuals. Internalized homophobia, negative societal attitudes towards homosexuality, is known to bridge the gap for gay men and their current symptoms. In contrast, for the sample community of lesbians, experiential avoidance was the mediator for their current …show more content…

This certainly leads an individual to be out of touch with their feelings as they feel what they feel is not important nor worth talking about. As a result of theses stigmas and intolerance from society, internalized homophobia can arise and lead them to believe that their worth is indeed minimal. Aside from anxiety, low self esteem and isolation which is known to be common for these individuals, the effects on one 's physical health are definitely ongoing and can be long term if left

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