Homosexual men's experiences of paternal relationships during the sexual identity formation period

[摘要] English: In this study, homosexual men's experiences of paternal relationships during their sexual identity development period were explored. An array of published articles explored and attempted to understand the development of homosexual identities. To this day, dissimilar attitudes, conflicting opinions, and ambivalent beliefs about homosexual individuals continues globally. Little research has been done on the experiences homosexual men had with their fathers during their sexual identity formation period. This study is based on Vivienne Cass's model of homosexual identity development. Cass hypothesises that homosexual men progress through six phases during their homosexual identity formation period: identity confusion, identity comparison, identity tolerance, identity acceptance, identity pride, and identity synthesis. A multiple case study design was employed, and seven participants were recruited using purposive, homogeneous sampling. An individual semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant, during which they had the opportunity to reflect on their paternal relationships during their sexual identity formation period. The data was analysed by using thematic analysis, by reconstructing their experiences into main and subthemes. From the data analysis, five main themes emerged: a) a developmental progression in homosexual identity formation; b) the role of paternal relationship in homosexual identity formation; c) discrepancies between anticipated and actual paternal responses within the process of disclosure; d) acceptance of homosexuality by both father and son, and e) stigma, prejudice, and discrimination influence the process of paternal disclosure. This research study aimed to fill the gap in the literature about father-son relationships during homosexual identity development. The findings can contribute to a growing body of literature on the applicability of Cass's model of homosexual identity development for a South African population. The insights gained from the research findings emphasise the importance of inter- and intrapersonal conflicts during homosexual identity development, focussing specifically on the need for paternal support, understanding, and acceptance after homosexual identity disclosure.

[发布机构] University of the Free State