Publication Date

2012

Document Type

Masters Thesis

Department

School for Social Work

Keywords

Asian American lesbians-Psychology, Asian American sexual minorities-Psychology, Asian American lesbians-Family relationships, Asian American sexual minorities-Family relationships, Racism, Heterosexism, Asian, LGBTQ, Identity, Chosen family, Community, Relational theory, Women, Female, Lesbian, Gay, Queer, Minority stress, Multiple minority stress, Double jeopardy, Triple jeopardy

Abstract

This study was undertaken to determine the impact of multiple minority stress on LGBTQ-identified Asian women living in America. The research explored how the values of families of origin, communities, and chosen families impact identity negotiations, as well as overall quality of life. The findings of this study were utilized to conceptualize best practices for mental health practitioners around better meeting the needs of individuals experiencing multiple minority stress. One hundred and fifty-two women living in the United States responded to a series of multiple choice and narrative response questions via Internet survey. They were asked questions focusing on demographics, family of origin, Asian community/ies, LGBTQ community/ies, and chosen families. Participants were also asked to fill out responses to the Comprehensive Quality of Life Scale – Adult (ComQol-A5). Results demonstrated that LGBTQ-identified Asian women in America struggle to find communities that are accepting of their multiple, intersecting social identities, as experiences of stigmatization and invisibility were common. Distinct themes in the experienced racism and heterosexism within families of origin, Asian and LGBTQ communities were documented, as were the strengths present in chosen family structures. These strengths were explored as learning tools for the development of best practices in the treatment of multiple minority stress.

Language

English

Comments

iv, 85 p. : ill. Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2012. Includes bibliographical references (p. 47-53)

Limited Access until August 2017

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