Skip to main content
Log in

Coming Out Experiences and Psychological Distress of Chinese Homosexual Men in Hong Kong

  • Published:
Archives of Sexual Behavior Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

This study adopted a cognitive–behavioral conceptual framework based on the Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA) in understanding coming out experiences and psychological distress of 187 Chinese gay men. Results showed that participants' coming out experiences were characterized by same-sex sexual fantasy at teenage years, followed by awareness of homosexual tendency, same-sex sexual contact, and then self-identification and disclosure of homosexual orientation in young adulthood. Regarding targets of disclosure, participants tended to disclose their sexual orientation to their gay friends first, followed by heterosexual friends, siblings, parents, and coworkers. This study also supported the extension of the TRA conceptual framework to Chinese societies. Results showed that a low level of psychological distress in Chinese gay men was linked to their coming out experiences, which were in turn related to TRA components of involvement and identification with gay communities and positive attitudes toward coming out. Limitations and implications were also discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ajzen, I., & Madden, T. J. (1986). Prediction of goal-directed behavior: Attitudes, intentions, and perceived behavioral control.Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 22, 453-474.

    Google Scholar 

  • American Psychiatric Association. (1968).Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (2nd ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Boxer, A. M., Cook, J. A., & Herdt, G. (1991). Double jeopardy: Identity transitions and parent–child relations among gay and lesbian youth. In K. Pillemer & K. McCartney (Eds.),parent–child relations throughout life (pp. 59-62). Hillsdale, NJ: Erlbaum.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cass, V. (1984). Homosexual identity formation: Testing a theoretical model.Journal of Sex Research, 20, 143-167.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cass, V. (1996). Sexual orientation identity formation: A western phenomenon. In R. P. Cabaj & T. S. Sten (Eds.),Textbook of homosexuality and mental health (pp. 227-251). Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Augelli, A. R. (2002). Mental health problems among lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths ages 14 to 21.Clinical Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 7, 433-456.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Augelli, A. R., & Grossman, A. H. (2001). Disclosure of sexual orientation, victimization, and mental health among lesbian, gay, and bisexual older adults.Journal of Interpersonal Violence, 16, 1008-1027.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Augelli, A. R., & Hershberger, S. L. (1993). Lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth in community settings: Personal challenges and mental health problems.American Journal of Community Psychology, 21, 421-448.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Augelli, A. R., & Patterson, C. J. (Eds.). (1995).Lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities over the lifespan: Psychological perspectives. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • D'Augelli, A. R., Pilkington, N. W., & Hershberger, S. L. (2002). Incidence and mental health impact of sexual orientation victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths in high school.School Psychology Quarterly, 17, 148-167.

    Google Scholar 

  • DiPlacido, J. (1998). Minority stress among lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals: A consequence of heterosexism, homophobia, and stigmatization. In G. M. Herek (Ed.),Stigma and sexual orientation: Understanding prejudice against lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals (pp. 138-159). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dube, E. M., & Savin-Williams, R. C. (1999). Sexual identity development among ethnic sexual-minority male youths.Developmental Psychology, 35, 1389-1398.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fassinger, R. E., & Miller, B. A. (1996). Validation of an inclusive model of sexual minority identity formation on a sample of gay men.Journal of Homosexuality, 32, 53-78.

    Google Scholar 

  • Fishbein, M., Chan, D. K., O'Reilly, K., Schnell, D., Wood, R., Beeker, C., et al. (1993). Factors influencing gay men's attitudes, subjective norms, and intentions with respect to performing sexual behaviors.Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 23, 417-438.

    Google Scholar 

  • Floyd, F., & Stein, T. (2002). Sexual orientation identity formation among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths: Multiple pattern of milestone experiences.Journal of Research on Adolescence, 12, 167-191.

    Google Scholar 

  • Goldberg, D. P., & Hiller, V. F. (1979). A scaled version of the General Health Questionnaire.Psychological Medicine, 24, 18-26.

    Google Scholar 

  • Green, B. F. (1956). A method of scalogram analysis using summary statistics.Psychometrika, 21, 79-88.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hammersmith, S. K., & Weinberg, M. S. (1973). Homosexual identity: Commitment, adjustment, and significant others.Sociometry, 36, 56-79.

    Google Scholar 

  • Herdt, G., & Boxer, A. M. (1993).Children of horizons: How gay and lesbian teens are leading a new way out of the closet. Boston: Beacon Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jackson, D., & Sullivan, R. (1994). Developmental implications of homophobia for lesbian and gay adolescents: Issues in policy and practice. In T. DeCrescenzeo (Ed.),Helping gay and lesbian youth: New policies, new programs, new practice (pp. 93-110). Binghamton, NY: Harrington Park Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Kitzinger, C., & Wilkinson, S. (1995). Transitions from heterosexuality to lesbianism: The discursive production of lesbian identities.Developmental Psychology, 31, 95-104.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lam, T. H., Shi, H. J., Ho, L. M., Stewart, S. M., & Fan, S. (2002). Timing of pubertal maturation and heterosexual behavior among Hong Kong Chinese adolescents.Archives of Sexual Behavior, 31, 359-366.

    Google Scholar 

  • Landolt, M., & Dutton, D. (1997). Power and personality: An analysis of gay male intimate abuse.Sex Roles, 37, 335-359.

    Google Scholar 

  • Leserman, J., DiSantostefano, R., Perkins, D. O., & Evans, D. L. (1994). Gay identification and psychological health in HIV-positive and HIV-negative gay men.Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 24, 2193-2208.

    Google Scholar 

  • Lock, J., & Hans, S. (1999). Gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth risks for emotional, physical, and social problems: Results from a community-based survey.Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 38, 297-304.

    Google Scholar 

  • Maylon, A. K. (1981). The homosexual adolescent: Developmental issues and social bias.Child Welfare, 60, 321-330.

    Google Scholar 

  • McKirnan, D. J., Stokes, J. P., Doll, L. S., & Burzette, R. G. (1995). Bisexually active men: Social characteristics and sexual behavior.Journal of Sex Research, 32, 64-75.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pilkington, N. W., & D'Augelli, A. R. (1995). Victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual youth in community settings.Journal of Community Psychology, 23, 34-56.

    Google Scholar 

  • Queer Sisters & Hong Kong Women Christian Council. (1998).Human rights report on sexual rights, 1998. Hong Kong: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosario, M., Hunter, J., Maguen, S., Gwadz, M., & Smith, R. (2001). The coming-out process and its adaptational and health-related associations among gay, lesbian, and bisexual youths: Stipulation and exploration of a model.American Journal of Community Psychology, 29, 133-160.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosario, M., Meyer-Bahlurg, H., Hunter, J., Exner, T., Gwadz, M., & Keller, A. (1996). The psychosexual development of urban lesbian, gay, and bisexual youths.Journal of Sex Research, 33, 113-126.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rosario, M., Rotheram-Borus, M. J., & Reid, H. (1996). Gay-related stress and its correlates among gay and bisexual male adolescents of predominantly Black and Hispanic background.Journal of Community Psychology, 24, 136-159.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ruan, F. F., & Bullough, V. L. (1992). Lesbianism in China.Archives of Sexual Behavior, 21, 217-226.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savin-Williams, R. C. (1990).Gay and lesbian youth: Expressions of identity. New York: Hemisphere.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savin-Williams, R. C. (1995). Lesbian, gay male, and bisexual adolescents. In A. R. D'Augelli & C. J. Patterson (Eds.),Lesbian, gay, and bisexual identities over the lifespan: Psychological perspectives (pp. 165-189). New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Savin-Williams, R. C., & Diamond, L. M. (2000). Sexual identity trajectories among sexual-minority youths: Gender comparisons.Archives of Sexual Behavior, 29, 607-627.

    Google Scholar 

  • Shek, D. (1989). Validity of the Chinese version of the General Health Questionnaire.Journal of Chinese Psychology, 45, 890-897.

    Google Scholar 

  • Tang, C. S., Lai, F. D., & Chung, T. (1997). Assessment of sexual functioning for Chinese college students.Archives of Sexual Behavior, 26, 79-90.

    Google Scholar 

  • Troiden, R. R. (1989). The formation of homosexual identities.Journal of Homosexuality, 17, 43-73.

    Google Scholar 

  • Troiden, R. R. (1993). The formation of homosexual identities. In L. D. Garnets & D. G. Kimmel (Eds.),Psychological perspectives on lesbian and gay male experiences (pp. 191-217). New York: Columbia University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Waldo, C. R., Hesson-McInnis, M. S., & D'Augelli, A. R. (1998). Antecedents and consequences of victimization of lesbian, gay, and bisexual young people: A structural model comparing rural university and urban samples.American Journal of Community Psychology, 26, 307-334.

    Google Scholar 

  • Weinberg, M. S., & Williams, C. J. (1974).Male homosexuals: Their problems and adaptations. New York: Oxford University Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Catherine So-kum Tang.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Wong, Cy., Tang, C.Sk. Coming Out Experiences and Psychological Distress of Chinese Homosexual Men in Hong Kong. Arch Sex Behav 33, 149–157 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ASEB.0000014329.00994.b6

Download citation

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1023/B:ASEB.0000014329.00994.b6

Navigation