Homosexual Identity Formation: A Theoretical Model
Abstract
A six-stage model of homosexual identity formation is outlined within the framework of interpersonal congruency theory. Stages are differentiated on the basis of the person's perceptions of his/her own behavior and the actions that arise as a consequence of this perception. The person is seen to have an active role in the acquisition of a homosexual identity. Alternative paths of development are proposed within each stage. The notion that people can accept homosexuality as a positively valued status is assumed. Several factors believed to be influential in determining whether a person takes one line of development or another are discussed. The model is intended to be applied to both female and male homosexuals.
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- Authors
- Cass, V. C.
- Affiliations
- The University of Western Australia (AU)
- Corresponding author
- Cass, Vivienne C.
- Venue
- Journal of Homosexuality
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 1979-04-24
- Volume
- 4
- Issue
- 3
- Pages
- 219-235
- ISSN
- 0091-8369 (ISSN-L)
- 1540-3602
- OpenAlex
- W1947484631
- Cited by
- 2,192
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 65 · 2025: 67 · 2024: 70 · 2023: 58 · 2022: 61 · 2021: 75 · 2020: 75 · 2019: 88 · 2018: 76 · 2017: 87 · 2016: 93 · 2015: 113 · 2014: 113 · 2013: 113 · 2012: 97
- FWCI
- 4.27
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Journal of Homosexuality (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy
- Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Gender and Feminist Studies
- Social Sciences › Gender Studies › Gender Roles and Identity Studies
- Keywords
- acceptance of homosexuality, development path, gay and lesbian identity
- MeSH terms
- Adaptation, Psychological, Female, Gender Identity, Homosexuality, Humans, Identification, Psychological, Male, Psychosexual Development
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