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Positive Psychology and LGBTQ Populations

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Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology

Part of the book series: Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology ((CAPP,volume 7))

Abstract

Extant research suggests that there are benefits and positive aspects of LGBTQ identities and relationships. For example, many sexual minorities report increased confidence, more positive self-regard, and greater empathy for others as a result of publicly and openly identifying as LGBTQ. Despite limited conceptualizations of LGBTQ issues within a positive psychological framework to date, exploring strengths and positive psychology can be useful for understanding many of the facets of LGBTQ identity that may have psychological benefit: freedom from socially restrictive views of gender expression and sexual identity; multiple psychological benefits from same-sex relationships and families including the emphasis on relationship equality and shared labor division, as well as expansive gender roles among children of LGB couples; and strengths gained through forming LGBTQ communities of support and participation in social justice movements.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Counseling and School Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA, 02125, USA

    Sharon G. Horne Ph.D. & Raphael Apter

  2. Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston, 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston, MA, 02125, USA

    Julia A. Puckett & Heidi M. Levitt

Authors
  1. Sharon G. Horne Ph.D.
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  2. Julia A. Puckett
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  3. Raphael Apter
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  4. Heidi M. Levitt
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Sharon G. Horne Ph.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology & Child Development, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, USA

    Jennifer Teramoto Pedrotti

  2. Department of Counselor Education and Counseling Psychology, Marquette University, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

    Lisa M. Edwards

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Horne, S.G., Puckett, J.A., Apter, R., Levitt, H.M. (2014). Positive Psychology and LGBTQ Populations. In: Teramoto Pedrotti, J., Edwards, L. (eds) Perspectives on the Intersection of Multiculturalism and Positive Psychology. Cross-Cultural Advancements in Positive Psychology, vol 7. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-8654-6_13

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