1
Sexuality Research Paper
Liberty University
PSYC 309
5/6/2024
2
Sexuality Research Paper
Homosexuality is a sexual orientation which builds up its relationship on sexual or
emotional attraction, expression and behavior towards individuals of the same sex.)As stated by
Wilson and Cariola (2019), the history of homosexuality as a disorder in therapy has
significantly changed over time, evident in its inclusion in numerous DSM editions as a
disorder.)Nonetheless, as the modifications have occurred over time, such as the removal of
homosexuality as a psychiatric disorder from the DSM-5 in 2013, there have been significant
changes toward lessening the stigma and affirming it as a normal orientation.)Recognizing the
history of pathologization is a milestone mission of the therapy to provide a warm and
encouraging space for persons with LGBTQ (Băjenescu, 2022).)Therefore, the very concept of
accepting homosexuality permits therapists to treat their patients from an LGBTQ-supportive
perspective, which involves the full recognition and acknowledgment of human sexual diversity
as well as the development and building of the client-therapist relationship.
Article Summaries
No Article/Authors Overview Main Points Conclusion Theme
Identificati
on
1. (Băjenescu, 2022). The Origins Of
Homosexuality. Journal of Social
Sciences, 5(2), 18–27.
https://doi.org/10.52326/jss.utm.2022.5(2
).02
The study
explores the
origins and
potential
causes of
homosexualit
y.
Homosexualit
y is a topic the
author
investigates
with different
views found
in theories
that are based
on biological,
psychological,
and social
factors.
This
proposal is
based on the
etiology of
homosexuali
ty, which is
very
complicated
because of
the
multifactoria
l nature that
results from
the
interaction
of genetic,
hormonal,
and
environment
Origins and
Etiology of
Homosexua
lity
3
al factors. It
is necessary
to work on
more
research to
reveal the
mystery of
homosexuali
ty's origin.
2. (Balswick & Balswick, 2008). Authentic
human sexuality: an integrated Christian
approach. Ivp Academic.
The text
provides a
Christian
perspective
on human
sexuality,
including
discussions
on
homosexualit
y.
The authors
give a
theological
and
psychological
structure for
understanding
human
sexuality,
stressing the
integrating
role of faith
and science.
Moreover, the
authors
provide
different
points of view
on
homosexuality
from evolved
Christians.
The authors'
arguments
supported an
approach to
sexuality
that is based
upon
Christian
values yet is
also aware
of its
complexity
and
sexuality
diversity. As
a result, the
research
leads to an
understandin
g of
homosexuali
ty that is
based on
compassion.
Homosexua
lity and
Religion
3. (Casey et al., 2019). Discrimination in the
United States: Experiences of lesbian,
gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer
Americans. Health Services Research,
54(S2), 1454–1466.
https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13229
The study
examines the
experiences
of
discriminatio
n LGBTQ
members face
in the US.
The
researchers
carried out an
extensive
scale survey
that was
representative
of the nation
across the
spectrum to
evaluate the
rate and types
of LGBTQ
discrimination
they were
victims of.
The research
outcomes are
more distinct
in areas with a
high degree of
discrimination
The study
highlights
that the
LGBTQ
lifestyle
experience
in the US is
a life
plagued by
segmentatio
n and
discriminati
on, which
makes it
necessary to
look for
continuance
methods for
eradication
of injustices
and
promotion of
Discriminat
ion and
Experiences
of LGBTQ
Individuals
4
, such as the
housing
sector.
equality.
4. (Hadler & Symons, 2018). World Society
Divided: Divergent Trends in State
Responses to Sexual Minorities and Their
Reflection in Public Attitudes. Social
Forces, 96(4), 1721–1756.
https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soy019
The study
seeks to
establish
general
trends in the
responses of
the states and
correspondin
g public
attitudes
towards
sexual
minorities.
The authors
analyze the
data of 193
countries to
reveal what
effect is
influential to
the sexual
minorities and
public favor.
They also pick
out distinct
ways of
dealing with
it, allowing
some to
embrace it and
become more
welcoming
while leaving
others to
remain
oppositional.
The study
pointed out
that gay and
lesbian
rights at the
state level
were not
necessarily
consistent
with the
tendency of
society, and
the
international
trend of
homosexuali
ty was rather
complex and
multidimens
ional. The
survey
outcomes
create
consequence
s to
determine
the political
and social
circumstanc
es
surrounding
the LGBTQ
community's
rights.
Global
Trends in
State
Policies and
Public
Attitudes
towards
Sexual
Minorities
5. (Machado & Costa, 2022). Diversity
Management: Homosexuality and the
Labor Market. Administrative Sciences,
12(4), 134.
https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci12040134
The study
investigates
the
intersection
of
homosexualit
y and
diversity
management
in the labor
market.
The authors
closely study
the difficulties
and chances
that lesbian,
gay, bisexual,
and
transgender
individuals go
through within
the work
environment,
referring to
discriminatory
aspects,
career-
building
issues, and
The analysis
stresses the
critical role
of nurturing
and
accepting
workplaces
where
LGBTQ
personnel
belong and
supports the
issues of
effective
diversity
management
, which
could
Homosexua
lity and the
Labor
Market
5
diversity
initiatives.
eliminate
disparity
among
workers in
the job
market.
6. (Muhammad Hadi Malik et al., 2023).
Mental Health Disparities Among
Homosexual Men and Minorities: A
Systematic Review. 17(3),
155798832311766-155798832311766.
https://doi.org/10.1177/155798832311766
46
The
systematic
review
focuses on
the mental
health
disparities
experienced
by
homosexual
men and
minority
populations.
The authors
review the
available
literature that
focuses on the
mental health
issues
inducing these
populations'
increased risks
of depression,
anxiety, and
suicidality—
similarly, the
review
endeavors to
evaluate the
contribution
of social
stigma and
discrimination
in aggravating
this gap.
The results
pointed to
the need for
tailored
mental
health
interventions
and support
services to
correspond
to the
particular
needs of
homosexual
men and
minority
groups. It
highlights a
need for
mental
health equity
to minimize
difficulties
in healthcare
service
utilization.
Mental
Health
Disparities
among
Homosexua
l Men and
Minorities
7. (Ng et al., 2024). News media coverage
of LGBT identities over 10 years in a
400-million-word corpus. PloS One,
19(4), e0300385–e0300385.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300
385
The study
analyzes the
news media
coverage of
LGBT
identities
over 10 years
in a large
corpus of text
data.
Researchers
assess the
tendencies and
patterns in
how LGBT
identities are
depicted by
the news
media, along
with the layers
of which
language is
used, framed,
and presented.
The analysis
offers a view
of the
changing
media
sphere and
the effect
that it might
have on
public
opinions of
LGBT
members.
The results
of this study
are relevant
for
comprehendi
ng how the
mass media
contributes
to society's
views on the
Media
Representat
ion and
Portrayal of
LGBTQ
Identities
6
problems
faced by the
LGBTQ
community.
8. (Ng et al., 2023). Attitudes toward
Homosexuality and Same-Sex Marriage:
The Roles of Parental Attitudes,
Traditional Gender Role Values, and
Filial Piety. International Journal of
Environmental Research and Public
Health, 20(3), 2194.
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032194
The study
examines the
factors
behind the
influences on
attitudes
toward
homosexualit
y and same-
sex marriage,
particularly
concerning
parental
attitudes and
the value of
traditional
gender roles.
The authors
argue how
such cultural
and family
factors
influence
shaping the
individual
attitude
toward
homosexuality
and same-sex
marriage in
the Asian
context.
The study
results
indicate that
familial
attitudes in
reference to
traditional
gender role
values
strongly
predict
individual
attitudes
regarding
homosexuali
ty and same-
gender
marriage.
The current
study
suggests that
cultural and
familial
influences
are essential
in forming
societal
views on
LGBTQ-
related
issues.
Cultural
and
Familial
Influences
on
Attitudes
towards
Homosexua
lity and
Same-Sex
Marriage
9. (Roberts, 2019). Changing worldwide
attitudes toward homosexuality: The
influence of global and region-specific
cultures, 1981–2012. Social Science
Research, 80, 114–131.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssresearch.2018.
12.003
The authors
explore the
changing
attitudes
towards
homosexualit
y globally,
examining
the influence
of both
global and
region-
specific
cultural
factors.
The author
analyzes
World Values
Survey data to
trace the
evolution of
attitudes
toward
homosexuality
within various
regions and
countries from
1981 to 2012.
The research
points to
several factors
responsible
for forming
these
attitudes:
The study
supports the
complex
interaction
of global
and local
factors
framing the
societal
attitudes
toward
homosexuali
ty.
Global and
Regional
Trends in
Attitudes
towards
Homosexua
lity
7
economic
development,
political
ideology, and
religious
belief.
10. (Wilson & Cariola, 2019). LGBTQI+
youth and mental health: A systematic
review of qualitative research. Adolescent
Research Review, 5(1).
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-019-
00118-w
The authors
synthesized
findings from
several
qualitative
studies to
understand
the thematic
representatio
n of mental
health
challenges,
coping
strategies,
and support
needs for
LGBTQI+
youth. The
present
review
highlights the
effect of
societal
stigma,
family
acceptance,
and
availability of
affirming
resources on
the mental
well-being of
this
population.
The authors
synthesize the
findings from
multiple
qualitative
studies,
exploring
themes related
to the mental
health
challenges,
coping
strategies, and
support needs
of LGBTQI+
young people.
The review
highlights the
impact of
societal
stigma, family
acceptance,
and access to
affirming
resources on
the mental
well-being of
this
population.
Providing
comprehensi
ve,
inclusive,
and
affirmative
mental
health
support for
LGBTQI+
young
people is
essential.
These results
are very
relevant for
developing
tailored
intervention
strategies
and
advancing
mental
health equity
among this
vulnerable
population.
Mental
Health
Experiences
and Needs
of
LGBTQI+
Youth
Table 1.0: Article Summaries.
Comparison and Contrast
Comparison
The studies explored approaches to homosexuality that provide context to the concepts
from the course, thus creating an overall view of homosexuality. For example, Bajenescu (2022)
supports the lesson's focus on the biophysical and social elements that influence sexual
orientation. Through a consideration of the different theories and the issues associated with the
8
development of homosexuality in connection with the underlying genetics, hormones and
environment, the article constructs a broader comprehension of sexuality as a complicated and
all-embracing factor. Similarly, Balswick and Balswick (2008) share that the Christian integrated
approach to human sexuality represents a religious viewpoint on homosexuality, which aligns
with the course's approach, which is focused on encouraging acceptance and inclusivity for
LGBTQ+ individuals regardless of their religious beliefs. In such a way, this leads to the
exposition of the connection between therapeutic settings and religious doctrines, which
highlights the universal understanding of the issue of sexual orientation.
Moreover, Casey et al. (2019) study about LGBTQ+ individuals' discrimination in the
healthcare system aligns with the class discussion on the effect of societal prejudice and stigma
on the mental health of sexual minorities. The project shows that LGBTQ+ people frequently
encounter difficulties in healthcare access and treatment, which require policy changes to
eliminate discrimination in healthcare settings. In addition, Hadler and Symons (2018) studied
the social construction of sexual orientation and its association with socio-political aspects of
acceptance. Their results indicate that state policies play a significant role in determining public
views towards homosexuality and inspire strategies geared toward social integration and human
rights. Machado and Costa (2022) supported affirming the labour market inequalities for
LGBTQ+ individuals by accentuating the need for inclusive policies and practices. Therefore,
this links up with the course focus on developing safe and welcoming areas for LGBTQ+
individuals, for instance, in the workplace.
Contrast
A different account of observations across the prescribed sources and the course materials
points out that this is a complex societal issue that requires a holistic approach and everybody's
9
commitment to come up with a lasting solution. Muhammad Hadi Malik et al. (2023) are
passionate about the mental health gap suffered by homosexual men and minorities by giving
special consideration to the problems of the two groups, which is saliently different from Ng et
al. (2024) work that discusses the role of media in the shaping of public perceptions about LGBT
identities. Another observation from Ng et al. (2023), who examined parental attitudes in
different social groups and their effect regarding homosexuality attidute and same-gender
marriage, as opposed to the global perspective of Roberts (2019), presents similar but region-
specific culture-related findings. In addition to this, Wilson and Cariola (2019) examine
qualitative research on the relationship between youth from the LGBTQ+ community and mental
health, with particular emphasis on the role of support services and policies, which generally
differs from the broader view of mental health challenges within the wider LGBTQ+ community.
Application in Therapy
Therapists should be aware that a good understanding of healthy sexuality through the
homosexuality lens serves as a framework for presenting patients with the specific problems and
opportunities that characterize the LGBTQ+ community (Balswick & Balswick, 2008; Casey et
al., 2019).)The research results show the value of respecting the diversity among the LGBTQ+
community members who may also intersect with race or gender, hence impacting the mental
health experiences of these individuals (Muhammad Hadi Malik et al., 2023; Wilson & Cariola,
2019).)Therapeutic applications include providing a space where clients can freely and safely
examine themselves and their life events without fear of judgment or prejudice (Machado &
Costa, 2022).)Decision-making strategies for clients should stress self-efficacy, the process of
informed consent and autonomous decision-making to ensure they do the right thing and provide
them with resources and a support system that accepts their identity (Ng et al.,
10
2023).)Concurrently, Casey et al. (2019) state that it is the role of therapists to help clients
through shared decision-making processes, particularly in healthcare settings, for their desires
and opinions are incorporated into the provision of care, which ultimately has a positive effect on
the quality and outcomes of treatment.
Conclusion
Ultimately, a complex approach is essential to understanding homosexuality within
psychological counseling because it combines the historical perception of LGBTQ+ people as
pathological but still recognizes the modern understanding of homosexual diversity. The research
findings of the articles portray that there should be a creative and supportive therapeutic
environment for LGBTQ+ members that recognizes the diversities between each other and
addresses their unique challenges. Through combining these learnings with therapy, therapists
will let their clients be open-minded about their identities, use better skills to manage stress and
have knowledge to control mental health. Hence, regarding such actions, counselors in the future
will have to keep advocating for affirming practices and policies of LGBTQ+, which are centred
on equality, inclusion, and social justice within therapeutic settings and society.
11
References
Băjenescu, T.-M. I. (2022). The Origins Of Homosexuality. Journal of Social Sciences, 5(2), 18–
27. https://doi.org/10.52326/jss.utm.2022.5(2).02
Balswick, J. K., & Balswick, J. O. (2008). Authentic human sexuality: an integrated Christian
approach. Ivp Academic.
Casey, L. S., Reisner, S. L., Findling, M. G., Blendon, R. J., Benson, J. M., Sayde, J. M., &
Miller, C. (2019). Discrimination in the United States: Experiences of lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and queer Americans. Health Services Research, 54(S2), 1454–
1466. https://doi.org/10.1111/1475-6773.13229
Hadler, M., & Symons, J. (2018). World Society Divided: Divergent Trends in State Responses
to Sexual Minorities and Their Reflection in Public Attitudes. Social Forces, 96(4),
1721–1756. https://doi.org/10.1093/sf/soy019
Machado, C. F., & Costa, A. L. (2022). Diversity Management: Homosexuality and the Labor
Market. Administrative Sciences, 12(4), 134. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci12040134
Muhammad Hadi Malik, Iqbal, S., Noman, M., Sarfraz, Z., Sarfraz, A., & Mustafa, S. (2023).
Mental Health Disparities Among Homosexual Men and Minorities: A Systematic
Review. 17(3), 155798832311766-155798832311766.
https://doi.org/10.1177/15579883231176646
Ng, R., Joanne, Y., & Yang, W. (2024). News media coverage of LGBT identities over 10 years
in a 400-million-word corpus. PloS One, 19(4), e0300385–e0300385.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0300385
12
Ng, T. K., Lee, T. H., Yuen, H., & Chan, W. (2023). Attitudes toward Homosexuality and Same-
Sex Marriage: The Roles of Parental Attitudes, Traditional Gender Role Values, and
Filial Piety. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 20(3),
2194. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032194
Roberts, L. L. (2019). Changing worldwide attitudes toward homosexuality: The influence of
global and region-specific cultures, 1981–2012. Social Science Research, 80, 114–131.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssresearch.2018.12.003
Wilson, C., & Cariola, L. A. (2019). LGBTQI+ youth and mental health: A systematic review of
qualitative research. Adolescent Research Review, 5(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40894-
019-00118-w
