Factors Shaping Self-Identity Development among Chinese Homosexuals: A Phenomenological Inquiry

As a significant subgroup within sexual minorities, homosexuals have garnered extensive attention across various social research domains. Given the pressures of the current social environment, there exists a considerable number of self-discordant homosexual individuals. To explore the self-discordant among homosexuals and enhance their mental health, this study primarily investigates the factors influencing self-identity among homosexuals in China. The study used semi-structured one-on-one interviews to conduct the research with 13 recruited homosexual participants. The research found that nine major factors will influence homosexual self-identity: personality, social support, coping styles, meaning in life, internalized homophobia, educational level, sense of control, love experiences, and patriarchal societal pressures. The self-identity status of the homosexual population in China is influenced by numerous factors. Targeted counseling strategies can be employed when dealing with clients from this group in psychological counseling settings. Furthermore, this research lays the necessary theoretical groundwork for constructing a model of homosexual self-identity, aiming to provide a basis for clinical psychological counseling in related fields.