Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identities and Youth : Psychological Perspectives

Changes in biological processes, relationships, and community interactions influence the emergence of sexuality in all young people. The process is more complex and difficult for lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) teenagers. Fortunately, the cultural changes that have allowed LGB youths to become more open about themselves at earlier ages have also allowed social and behavioral scientists the opportunity to study them. The essays in this volume explore the psychological dimensions of LGB identities from puberty to adulthood. The essays focus on three general areas: theoretical frameworks that are important in understanding the development of sexual orientation in adolescence, challenges faced by LGB youth, and issues related to interventions and services for LGB youths in community settings. This volume presents authoritative, research-based reviews of this ever-increasing area of study and social concern. Contents......Page 8 I: Conceptual Frameworks......Page 10 1. Psychosocial Change at Puberty and Beyond: Understanding Adolescent Sexuality and Sexual Orientation......Page 12 2. Biological Factors in the Development of Sexual Orientation......Page 36 3. Exotic Becomes Erotic: Integrating Biological and Experiential Antecedents of Sexual Orientation......Page 61 II: Psychological Challenges......Page 78 4. Toward a Reconceptualization of the Coming-Out Process for Adolescent Females......Page 80 5. Developmental Trajectories of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Youths......Page 106 6. Intimacy Development, Gender, and Ethnicity among Sexual-Minority Youths......Page 138 III: Issues for Intervention and Social Change......Page 162 7. Avoiding HIV/AIDS and the Challenge of Growing Up Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual......Page 164 8. The Experiences of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths in University Communities......Page 190 9. The Victimization of Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths......Page 208 10. Counseling Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youths......Page 233 11. Educational Reform and Sexual Identity: Conflicts and Challenges......Page 260 12. Social Change, Sexual Diversity, and Tolerance for Bisexuality in the United States......Page 276 A......Page 293 C......Page 294 E......Page 295 G......Page 296 H......Page 297 K......Page 298 M......Page 299 P......Page 300 R......Page 301 S......Page 302 W......Page 304 Z......Page 305 Psychosocial Change At Puberty And Beyond: Understanding Adolescent Sexuality And Sexual Orientation / Julia A. Graber, Andrea Bastiani Archibald -- Biological Factors In The Development Of Sexual Orientation / Scott L. Hershberger -- Exotic Becomes Erotic: Integrating Biological And Experiential Antecedents Of Sexual Orientation / Daryl J. Bem -- Toward A Reconceptualization Of The Coming-out Process For Adolescent Females / Margaret S. Schneider -- Developmental Trajectories Of Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual Youths / Mary Jane Rotheram-borus, Kris A. Langabeer -- Intimacy Development, Gender, And Ethnicity Among Sexual-minority Youths / Eric M. Dubé, Ritch C. Savin-williams, Lisa M. Diamond -- Avoiding Hiv/aids And The Challenge Of Growing Up Gay, Lesbian, And Bisexual / Arnold H. Grossman -- The Experiences Of Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Youths In University Communities / Nancy J. Evans -- The Victimization Of Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Youths / Ian Rivers, Anthony R. D'augelli -- Counseling Lesbian, Gay, And Bisexual Youths / Caitlin Ryan -- Educational Reform And Sexual Identity: Conflicts And Challenges / Janice M. Irvine -- Social Change, Sexual Diversity, And Tolerance For Bisexuality In The United States / Gilbert Herdt. Edited By Anthony R. D'augelli, Charlotte J. Patterson. Includes Bibliographical References And Index. The essays in this book explore the biological, social, psychological, and cultural dimensions of LGB (lesbian, gay, and bisexual) identities from puberty to early adulthood, focusing upon three general areas: theoretical frameworks important in understanding the development of sexual orientation in adolescence; challenges faced by LGB youth; and interventions and services for LGB youth in community settings Development of a sexual identity, or formation of an identity that includes seeing oneself as a sexual being, is the process of engaging in sexual behaviors, forming attitudes about sexual experiences and sexuality, and navigating the social, emotional, and physical challenges of sexual behaviors (Graber, Brooks-Gunn, & Galen, 1998). The essays in this volume explore the psychological dimensions of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) identities from puberty to adulthood.