Autonomy Support Fosters Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Identity Disclosure and Wellness, Especially for Those with Internalized Homophobia

Abstract

Lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals experience disparities in psychological well‐being, including greater symptoms of depression and anxiety, relative to their heterosexual peers. One group of LGB individuals is particularly vulnerable—those with high levels of internalized homophobia, or sexual prejudice directed toward the self. The current research explored whether a supportive social environment might be especially beneficial for this group. Specifically, we tested whether autonomy support within a given social environment (e.g., with family, friends, and peers or coworkers) is associated with greater identity disclosure and well‐being in that environment, especially for those high in internalized homophobia. Using within‐person analyses, we found support for this: perceptions of autonomy support predicted greater disclosure (outness) and well‐being, and this relation was particularly strong for those high in internalized homophobia. Implications of these findings for promoting well‐being among LGB individuals, a critical social issue, are discussed.