Date of Award
8-2005
Level of Access Assigned by Author
Campus-Only Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Communication
Advisor
Claire F. Sullivan
Second Committee Member
Kristin M. Langellier
Third Committee Member
Eric E. Peterson
Abstract
Prior research has consistently shown a clear relationship to exist between gender nonconforming behavior, defined as those behaviors, traits, interests, and/or self-perceptions which are stereotypically associated with persons of the other sex in childhood, and the development of a homosexual orientation in adulthood. Researchers have also found GNB in childhood, particularly among boys, to be associated with several negative developmental outcomes for gay men, including lower self-esteem, poor family relations, increased suicidality, attachment anxiety in romantic relationships, and narcissistic symptomatology. Despite these findings, no study has investigated the relationship between childhood GNB and internalized homophobia, a construct shown to be highly associated with low self-esteem in gay men. Furthermore, scholars have theorized and, to a limited extent, revealed the mediating role of relationships with parents on the association between GNB and maladjustment in adulthood. As such, the present thesis had two primary objectives: (a) determine the relationship between childhood GNB and adult internalized homophobia, and (b) assess whether parental relationship quality has a moderating and/or mediating effect between childhood GNB and adult internalized homophobia in gay men. Data did not support a relationship between GNB and internalized homophobia or parental relationship quality. Further analysis of the data indicated a strong inverse relationship between disclosure of sexual orientation to parents and internalized homophobia, suggesting that communication about one's stigmatizing identity, particularly with family members, may help buffer the adverse effects of internalized homophobia. Results, limitations, and directions for future research are also discussed.
Recommended Citation
Wickersham, Jeffrey A., "Childhood Gender Nonconformity, Parent-Child Relationships, and the Development of Internalized Homophobia in Gay Men" (2005). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1051.
https://digitalcommons.library.umaine.edu/etd/1051