Empirical Research Developmental Theory

A summary of findings regarding sexual orientation and its impact on life-span development

Considering that transformations within the society profoundly change the life course of people identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, it comes to be increasingly ostensible that sexual orientation is a significant index of human identity is historically and aesthetically (Hammack, 2005). In accordance to Fuller-Iglesias et al. (2010), perspectives for life span and life course increase the level of understanding in changeability with respect to timing and classification of sexual orientation identity development. With respect to life span, the categorization of sexual orientation identity development might rely on maturation influences, and the developmental phase in which identity development comes about. The inception and series of sexual orientation identity progress might also be influenced by the past framework in which development is experienced. According to the research study by Floyd and Bakeman (2006), there were palpable gender variances in development, and the participant with self-identification during adolescence reported earlier sexual attraction and sexual behavior as compared to those with self-identification during adulthood.

Delving further, Calzo et al. (2011) examined the aspect of timing of sexual orientation milestones in a group of sexual minorities. In general, results of the study indicated that younger participants and a great deal of older participants were categorized to the early profile. This suggested that early development is a common aspect irrespective of age cohort. As pointed out by Cochran and Mays (2006), the augmentation of sexuality saliency in the course of transitions to adolescence, the concerns for non-heterosexual youth come about as distinctively significant. The study indicates that youth that identify as non-heterosexual have a greater likelihood of going through a range of mental health issues compared to their peers. Patterson (2008) goes on to outline that the most severe issue amongst these encompasses prospects of suicidal tendencies. At the same time, even supposing elevated risks, not all youth who identify as non-heterosexual are at risk. Therefore, there is need to ascertain ways that are linked with risk and resilience.

According to a study by Boz et al. (2008), results indicate that amongst adolescents with same-sex desires, diminished psychosocial functioning is linked with fall in quality of relations with fathers and peers. Patterson (2008) goes on to outline that the courses or paths taken by youth in the direction of risk behaviors and also away from them are influenced by intrapersonal elements that consists of attitudes, relational factors for instance harassment, and environmental elements for instance the obtainability of dishonest substances in their day-to-day settings. This indicates that the qualities of relational associations are vital to youth resilience.

An explanation of how you might apply your findings to social work practice

The findings can be applicable to social work practice. Social work practice involves understanding how to relate with the sexual identities of persons and aid them in coping with the difficulties they face in their prevailing settings. In particular, practicing social work encompasses understanding human behavior to enhance proficiency in dealing with clients at different developmental life stages. The findings from the research studies will help me to understand lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender persons as oppressed, susceptible, and ridiculed persons in the society. It becomes possible to understand issues such as the mental issues experienced by these individuals compared to their peers (Levy, 2009).

References

Calzo, J. P., Antonucci, T. C., Mays, V. M., & Cochran, S. D. (2011). Retrospective recall of sexual orientation identity development among gay, lesbian, and bisexual adults. Developmental psychology, 47(6), 1658.

Cochran, S., & Mays, V. (2006). Estimating prevalence of mental and substance-using disorders among lesbians and gay men from existing national health data. American Psychological Association.

Floyd, F. J., Bakeman, R. (2006). Coming-out across the life course: Implications of age and historical context. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 35, 287 -- 296.

Fuller-Iglesias, H., Smith, J., Antonucci, T. C. (2010). Theories of aging from a life-course and life-span perspective: An overview. New York: Springer.

Hammack, P. L. (2005). An integrative paradigm. Human Development, 48(5), 267-290.

Levy, D. L. (2009). Gay and lesbian identity development: An overview for social workers. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 19(8), 978-993.

Patterson, C. J. (2008). Sexual orientation across the life span: Introduction to the special section. Developmental Psychology, 44(1), 1.