Developmental issues faced by gay Chinese Singaporean men towards healthy psychological integration

• Main Author: Clarence Poopalasingam.
• Other Authors: Tan, Wee Kiat
• Format: Theses and Dissertations
• Published: 2008
• Subjects: DRNTU::Social sciences::Sociology::Family, marriage and women
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/13847
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The study found that for most homosexual men gay identity integration progresses along three phases of Pre-Realization, Identity Dissonance and Integration. Two transition points-Realization and Acceptance separate the phases. Key developmental issues encountered include socialization, sexualization, significant other such as mentors and guides and coming out. The study also explored the role of the Internet, existence of sexual addiction and heterosexual marriage in the gay identity integration process. Identity Dissonance which was experienced by most of the interviewees represents the internalized homophobia absorbed by the individual from his socio-cultural surroundings. Most often the Identity Dissonance was caused by religious factors and perceived heteronormative mores of society.