According to self-discrepancy theory, if these conditions are not met, the person will be susceptible to feelings of fear, shame, rejection, and guilt, and high self-discrepancy would lead to low self-esteem and a negative self-concept.Īlthough ample studies concentrated on pinpointing how self-concept develops and how it is influenced in youth, an emerging line of studies started to focus on identifying the directions and nature of relationship between both positive and negative beliefs about the self and others, and the social context, concentrating specifically on gay and lesbian youth ( Vincke & van Heeringen, 2002 Snapp et al., 2015 Wilkerson et al., 2017).
Self-discrepancy theory proposes that individuals aim to achieve a position where their self-concept is in line with their socially learnt standards and ideals. Higgins’ (1987) self-discrepancy theory helps us conceptualize the tensions of developing an LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender) self-concept in a heteronormative context. Each of the previously mentioned five areas is believed to be impacted in sexual minority youth by both internal and external contexts. (2001) cohesively reviewed the commonly used terminology around self-concept, identifying five areas that are commonly used to define self-concept:ĭevelopment as an adolescent for gay and lesbian youth may feel even more difficult, as they also need to go through a process of constructing a healthy self-concept in a primarily heterosexual social environment ( Rotheram-Borus et al., 1995). Even though copious amount of research has explored these relationships, the existing body of literature is devoid of an overview of findings.Īlthough self-concept is commonly defined as a collection of beliefs about one’s self ( Campbell, 1990), clear definitions of self-concept will vary between authors. Research has illustrated (e.g., Silverschanz et al., 2008 Woodford et al., 2012 Woodford et al., 2014) the significance of social context in providing a supportive background to overcoming hurdles and helping adjustments in the development of self-concept. Forming and preserving a healthy self-concept while accepting one’s belonging to such categories may present as problematic. During this time of development, gay and lesbian youth also have to come to terms with their sexual identities and examine what their sexual orientation means in relation to their personal identities ( Rotheram-Borus et al., 1995).
Although there are a number of categories included within each element, the present work will focus on sexual attraction, and within that element, gay and lesbian youth.Īdolescence is a period of development, the course of which allows youth to explore their personal identities and begin to act according to gender roles acceptable by societal structures around them ( Rotheram-Borus et al., 1995). Sexual minority status is a concept that involves multiple elements: sexual attraction (the genders one is attracted to), behavior (the gender of one’s sexual partners), and identity (label assigned to oneself) ( Savin-Williams & Diamond, 2000). Gay and lesbian youth often face adverse reactions from their environment due to their “sexual minority status” ( Garofalo et al., 1998).
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