Gay

AIM
How do parenting style facilitate/impede the transition of homosexual adolescents into young adults (i.e. individuation) during development?
RATIONALE
During adolescence, identity development is a significant aspect of creating a healthy personality and positive self-esteem. Establishing values and likes/dislikes are part of adolescent development and these concepts apply to all adolescents. (Prof Broughton Lecture Notes, July 16) However, in mainstream America, the relationship between homosexuality and adolescent development is often overlooked. People often forget to realize the homosexual adolescent experience adds developmental stages that encase their sexuality; “coming out” and discerning their sexuality fuel adolescents into confusion, prolonging individuation. Erik Erikson refers to this phase as “identity crisis” where the search for the ultimate self takes place. Research has shown that molding beliefs and figuring out what one likes is part of adolescent dev...