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Variations in Sexual Identity Milestones Among Asexual People
Sinéad Kelleher1, Mike Murphy2, Raegan Murphy2
1School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin Campus, Dublin, D9, Ireland. sinead.c.kelleher@dcu.ie.
Archives of Sexual Behavior
|November 7, 2024
Summary
Asexual identity development milestones occur earlier for recent birth cohorts and vary by gender. Romantic-identified asexual individuals disclose their identity sooner than aromantic individuals.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- Growing interest in interpersonal factors influencing asexual identity development.
- Focus on diversity within the asexual population regarding identity formation.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine variability in timing and pacing of asexual identity development milestones.
- Investigate differences across birth cohorts, gender identities, and romantic orientations.
Main Methods:
- Surveyed 317 participants aged 18-59 from three birth cohorts.
- Measured ages of key asexual identity milestones (awareness, search, discovery, identification, disclosure).
Main Results:
- Recent cohorts showed earlier and faster milestone development.
- Cisgender individuals reported later milestones than gender non-binary individuals.
- Romantic asexuals disclosed identity sooner than aromantic asexuals.
Conclusions:
- Asexual identity development is diverse and influenced by cohort, gender, and romantic orientation.
- Findings enhance understanding of sub-identities and experiences within the asexual community.
- Contributes to knowledge on how asexual individuals form positive identities and navigate relationships.
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