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- Title
AGEISM WITH HETEROSEXISM: SELF-PERCEPTIONS, IDENTITY, AND PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH IN OLDER GAY AND LESBIAN ADULTS.
- Authors
MEISNER, BRAD A.; HYNIE, MICHAELA
- Abstract
The proportion of older adults in the population is increasing. Accompanying this demographic trend is a growing interest in the antecedents of optimal ageing; however, there is a paucity of research investigating how the ageing process differs as a function of sexual orientation. It has been suggested that compared to heterosexual older adults, gay and lesbian older individuals may be at an increased risk for psychological maladjustment to ageing due to the combined effects of ageism with heterosexism. The purpose of this review is to critically appraise the literature on homosexual orientation, internalised homo-negativity, ageing adjustment, and psychological well-being in later life. Published findings to date suggest important differences in psychological adaptation to ageing between and within gay and lesbian groups; in fact, two themes emerged from the literature: 1) crisis competence (the experience of one form of discrimination facilitates coping with another) and 2) accelerated ageing (the negative outcome of experiencing multiple forms of discrimination). These phenomena appear to be moderated by sexual orientation and gender. Some current theoretical and methodological limitations in the field are considered in an attempt to support future research.
- Publication
Gay & Lesbian Issues & Psychology Review, 2009, Vol 5, Issue 1, p51
- ISSN
1833-4512
- Publication type
Academic Journal