The Intersection of Ethno-Cultural Identity, Sexual Orientation, and Traumatic Stress in Adult African American Gay Men

• In Event: Poster Session 15
  In Poster Session: Expanding the Field of Diversity Research in Psychology and Education

Abstract

This study examined the relationship between ethno-cultural identity, sexual orientation and traumatic stress in adult African American gay men. These constructs were measured by the African Self-Consciousness Scale – Short Form, the Modified Gay Identity Questionnaire, and select subscales of the Trauma Symptom Inventory. Quantitative methods were employed. Data was collected via snowball sampling through an electronic mail link to the survey. Pearson correlation and multiple regression were used to analyze the data. Results revealed no statistically significant relationship between African self-consciousness and gay identity. However, statistically significant positive relationships were found between gay identity acceptance and traumatic stress and gay identity pride and traumatic stress. These results have important implications for understanding identity development in African American gay men.

Authors

• Richmond D. Wynn, University of North Florida

• Cirecie West-Olatunji, University of Florida