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Age differences in lesbian identity development and drinking
Cheryl A Parks1, Tonda L Hughes
1School of Social Work, University of Connecticut, West Hartford, Connecticut 06117, USA. Cheryl.parks@uconn.edu
Substance Use & Misuse
|June 15, 2007
Summary
Lesbian identity development and alcohol use are linked. Understanding these connections can help address heavy drinking and related problems in lesbian communities.
Area of Science:
- Social Science
- Psychology
- Public Health
Background:
- Lesbian women face identity "coming out" stress, linked to heavy drinking.
- Limited knowledge exists on lesbian sexual identity development and drinking patterns.
- Societal changes may affect "coming out" experiences across different age groups.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine the relationship between lesbian identity development and alcohol use problems.
- Investigate how age cohorts experience "coming out" and drinking patterns.
- Analyze data from the Chicago Health and Life Experiences of Women study.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study design.
- Analysis of self-identified lesbian participants.
- Examination of variables related to identity development and alcohol problems.
Main Results:
- The study explored correlations between lesbian identity development and alcohol-related issues.
- Findings may vary across different age cohorts.
- Specific results are detailed within the full study.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to fully understand lesbian identity development and alcohol use.
- Addressing "coming out" stress may mitigate drinking problems.
- This study contributes to understanding the health of sexual minority women.
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