Fluidity and Diversity in Non-heterosexual Women's Sexual Identity Processes and Implications for Their Well-being
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2012
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Haverford College. Department of Psychology
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Thesis
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Award
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eng
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Haverford users only
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Abstract
Recent studies have suggested that sexuality is more socially constructed and contextually dependent than traditional conceptions of sexual identity account for; in fact, fluidity has been supported as a predominant characteristic of sexuality for the majority of nonheterosexual women (Diamond, 2008). This study investigated the diversity and fluidity of women who have had non-heterosexual experiences, attractions, or identifications in order to understand how sexuality identity processes and well-being relate to sexual desires and preferences that are defined by continuous change. The primary focus of inquiry was on how processes of exploration and commitment relate to self-labeling, fluidity, and well-being. These variables were measured within an online survey that included multiple self-report measures and personal narratives that were quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed. As predicted, every facet of fluidity was found to be associated with sexual identity exploration. Sexual identity commitment and exploration were also found to be positively related to well-being. As the first study to have investigated fluidity's relationship to well-being, the findings supported that fluidity most often stimulates exploration of sexual identity in ways that promote well-being. However, if an individual has fluidity that is associated with identity uncertainty, distancing themselves from exploration of this aspect of their sexuality can be detrimental to well-being. A theoretical model of the complex relationship between fluidity, exploration, and well-being was proposed.