Campus Location
Abilene Campus (Residential)
Date of Award
8-2020
Document Type
Thesis
Department
Marriage and Family Therapy
Degree Name
Master of Marriage and Family Therapy
Committee Chair or Primary Advisor
Lisa Powell
Second Committee Member or Secondary Advisor
Lisa Merchant
Third Committee Member or Committee Reader
Joanna Méndez-Pounds
Abstract
This study will explore the effects of coming out in a non-supportive family. The coming out process is when an individual discloses their sexual identity to another person. Coming out can be a wonderful experience for some or a negative life-changing moment. This interpretive phenomenological study examined the patterns and themes found through four extensive interviews. The four participants recruited through social media and flyers participated in an interview where they were asked questions about their coming out experience. The minor common themes were experiences by three out of the four participants. These minor common themes were failed parenting, coming out tests, sexual orientation as a lifestyle, and fear. While this study was focused on the negative effects of coming out, there were three positive effects: happiness, pride, and freedom. This study will be used in future research and to help guide the field forward when it comes to helping LGBTQ+ individuals.
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Recommended Citation
Hemphill, Ashley Nicole, "Negative Effects of Coming Out as LGBTQ+ in a Non-Supportive Family" (2020). Digital Commons @ ACU, Electronic Theses and Dissertations. Paper 249.
https://digitalcommons.acu.edu/etd/249