Related Experiment Videos
Lesbian shame: its relationship to identity integration and attachment
G Beverly Wells1, Nancy Downing Hansen
1The Fielding Graduate Institute. doctorbev@earthlink.net
Journal of Homosexuality
|October 22, 2003
Summary
Internalized shame impacts lesbians, with higher shame linked to lower lesbian identity integration and insecure attachment styles. Even successful lesbians experience pervasive shame effects.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Internalized shame is a significant factor in mental health.
- Understanding its impact on lesbian identity and relationships is crucial.
- Previous research has not fully explored these connections in diverse lesbian populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between internalized shame, lesbian identity integration, and attachment styles.
- To examine how these factors interact within a sample of educated, mid-life lesbians.
Main Methods:
- A survey study utilizing self-report measures.
- Data collected from 317 self-identified lesbians in the U.S.
- Statistical analysis to determine correlations between variables.
Main Results:
- The sample reported higher levels of internalized shame, lesbian identity integration, and dismissing attachment compared to other research.
- Shame scores decreased with increased lesbian identity integration.
- Secure attachment correlated with less shame, while fearful and preoccupied attachment correlated with greater shame.
- Dismissing attachment unexpectedly correlated with greater shame.
Conclusions:
- Internalized shame significantly affects lesbians, influencing identity integration and attachment.
- Findings highlight the pervasive nature of shame, even in successful individuals.
- Results suggest a need for targeted interventions addressing shame in the lesbian community.