Stage Social Identity Developmental Model

Stage Social Identity Developmental Model

The model that pertains to men identified as gay is the stage model of the social identity proposed by Cass. The model constitutes of six stages which assume movements in self-perception from the notion of heterosexuality to gay (MacDonald, 2016). The first phase in the model entails identity confusion.  In the first stage, individuals’ initial perceptions of thoughts, attractions, and feelings towards people with the same gender manifests. Identity comparison is the second identity of the model, whereby individuals counter social alienation and stigmatization.  In the third stage, identity tolerance entails an acknowledgment of the group as being gay and tend to seek out other gays within the community. Identity acceptance follows, which involves a positive connotation of being gay (MacDonald, 2016). Identity pride allows individuals to focus on contacts with their peers to identify with activities and issues relating to gays orientation. Ultimately, identity synthesis will enable individuals to judge the range of individual qualities other than sexual identity.

Strengths and Weaknesses for Theory Models

There exist myriad strengths and weaknesses for the Cass six-stage model of gay identity. As for the advantages, the model allows for flexibility identity within the gay groups. Besides, flexibility identity allows for the gays to exercise control over self-identification of their sexuality to diverse entities. Similarly, the stage model provides for a distinct identification for the groups. As such, members can either utilize labels or avoid them in identifying their sexuality. Likewise, the stage allows for ways to respond to issues stereotypical gender roles (MacDonald, 2016). The Cass stage model for social identity gives individuals a sense of pride for their unique identity. Also, the Cass model’s flexibility allows for freedom to different decisions. For instance, one of the gay individuals successfully undergoes through the stages enables the achievement of visibility. It is through putting on accessories and clothing that identify the individuals as gays.

Despite the numerous strengths, the stage model possesses weakness that affects gay social identity. For instance, it allows for the free use of derogatory terms as desired. The derogatory terms, at times, impacts negatively on the individuals. Similarly, Cass’s six-stage identity creates the need for hiding their identity. As a result, gay individuals may tend to isolate themselves in fear of stigma. Also, the model does not outline strategies that enable the members to deal with rigid gender roles. Therefore, it results in conflicting roles that make it difficult for males to identify themselves as females. The cultural values within the society also put individuals in a dilemma of the revelation of their identity.

Summary of the Research Findings

According to Jaspal (2019), the cast model presents comprehensive information and a sophisticated approach to identity information. The model forms a basis for the availability of various interventions that helps gays through counseling. The theory advanced from a psychological perspective and, therefore, focusses on interpersonal congruency. Cass model plays a vital role in transition through different stages to achieve the development of the gay population. Jaspal (2019) presents a study with youth gays to assess the reliability of the Cass model in the understanding of minority social developments. Different methods were applied in the research study. For the review of Cass model in social identity development for gay people, structured interviews asked as it allows researchers to identify individual issues through the use of open-ended questions.

Similarly, internal and external validity persists to be useful in evaluating research on gay individuals. As for the research questions for the model, they served to challenge the model’s reliability in facilitating public acceptance (Beard, 2017). It is because it challenges its validity since we are in an ever-evolving world. Thus, the application of the model in contemporary society remains invalid. Similarly, modern society has adopted civilization, and therefore, a greater acceptance of LGBTQ dominates the public.

Effects of Culture, Ethnicity, and Diversity on Human experience

Gay groups often remain distinct from the majority of the population based on race, diversity, ethnicity, to mention but a few. The concepts within the community and cultural influences affect the gays both positively and negatively, depending on race and ethnicity. As such, members from ethnic minorities and cultures experience different outcomes as compared to those from the majority populations. Therefore, the concepts that govern the community and individual belong affects their human experiences.

Areas of Future Research

The gay community constitutes a form of uniqueness that results in stigmatization. Often, the limited knowledge regarding the health of gay and LQBTs in different aspects. Thus, the individuals ought to be reviewed to identify sex developmental disorders amid the groups. The critical issues regarding gays ought to be identified and addressed adequately to facilitates positive health outcomes among individuals (Harper & Swanson, 2019). Similarly, addressing gaps in knowledge creates positive attitudes among the broader population and thus reduce stigmatization associated with being sexually different from the general population. Also, the developmental model offers some degree of knowledge concerning gays in contemporary society. The limitations notable with the model necessitates its advancement to provide insights regarding gays. Even though the model remains inadequate in offering information, their exit other models that apply to gays and LGBT overly.

References

Beard, K., Eames, C., & Withers, P. (2017). The role of self-compassion in the well-being of self-identifying gay men. Journal of Gay & Lesbian Mental Health, 21(1), 77-96.

Harper, A. J., & Swanson, R. (2019). Nonsequential Task Model of Bi/Pan/Polysexual Identity Development. Journal of Bisexuality, 19(3), 337-360.

Jaspal, R. (2019). The Construction of Sexual Identity. In The Social Psychology of Gay Men (pp. 39-57). Palgrave Pivot, Cham.

MacDonald, D. K. (2016). Cass Identity Model. retrieved on July, 22, 2019.