Www.homeworkempire.com



Emphirical Research and Development TheoryNameCourseTutor27th June 2018What does evidence-based research say about the development of sexual orientation in young and middle adulthood??Sexual orientation is a persistent pattern of sexual or romantic attraction towards individuals of the opposite sex, same sex or both genders. According to the American Psychological Association, an individual’s sexual orientation may be as a result of their sense of identity based on related behaviors, attractions or membership in a community of individuals who share similar attractions. These attractions are commonly subsumed under homosexuality, bisexuality, heterosexuality and asexuality among others ()Although several studies have been carried out, the exact cause for the development of certain sexual orientation has not been established. However, studies show that several biological factors such as brain structure, genes and prenatal hormones may be related to the development of sexual orientation. According to Roy (2013), sexual orientation is not a choice and is mostly determined by a combination of hormonal, environmental, genetic and biological factors. The hormonal theory of sexuality states that hormonal exposure plays a significant role in fetal sex differentiation as well as their sexual orientation which is likely to emerge later in life (Patterson, C., & D'Augelli, 2013)During development, Y chromosome induces the necessary changes for a shift to male development pathway as is usually driven by testosterone, androgen hormones and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Although no studies have conclusively established the relationship between sexual orientation and sexual abuse, childhood experiences or parenting, studies have found that various aspects of sexuality expression may have be caused by parental attitudes in relation to particular sexual orientation (Falcone, T., & Hurd, 2007).?Development of sexual orientation is different in every person depending on whether they are Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual or Transgender (LGBT). Growing up, people undergo various milestones and at young adulthood, they may experience their first same-sex attraction and experience or their identity as an LGBT. Once they identify themself as an LGBT, these individuals may choose to disclose their orientation and may come out at different time during their life course. Their process of coming out to the community may be affected by factors such as education, ethnicity, social support and race among others (In Chrisler, J., & In McCreary, 2010).?For example, studies by Myers (2005) have shown that white and non-white individuals of sexual minorities come out differently and non-white experience high levels of internal homophobia and are less likely to disclose their LGBT orientation in the United States. At middle adulthood, the process of coming out to the community as an LGBT may be caused by factors such as parenthood and marital status among others. Although studies show most being an LGBT has nothing to do with mental health, other findings reveal that there is a high risk of suicide attempts among the lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transgender individuals when compared to heterosexual people.Most communities do not provide social support to LGBT individuals and thus most are likely to experience mood and anxiety disorders. Research carried out by National Household Survey of Drug Abuse revealed that individuals who are homosexually active are more likely to experience panic attack syndromeates than individuals who are heterosexually active. Research also shows a close relationship between sexual orientation and a lifetime occurrence of effective disorders such as dysthymia, mania and major depression. ( explanation of how you might apply your findings to social work practiceSexually oriented individuals are at a high risk of developing psychiatric disorders and lifetime affective disorders. In addition, homosexuals experience high levels of anorexic symptoms and body dissatisfaction which is often associated with feeding disorders, depression, lack of confidence and esteem with sexual orientation. Therefore, considering all the disorders linked to sexual orientation, as a medical practitioner, I will reach out to homosexuals and try to help out where possible. For instance, I can advise on the best feeding habits and why it is best to accept yourself as you are. The community doesn’t have to accept them; they should accept and love themselves as they are to live a happy, fulfilling life. ReferencesFalcone, T., & Hurd, W. W. (2007).?Clinical reproductive medicine and surgery. Philadelphia: Mosby. Chrisler, J. C., & In McCreary, D. R. (2010).?Handbook of gender research in psychology: Vol. 1. New York: Springer.Myers, J. E. (2005).?Counseling for wellness: Theory, research, and practice. Alexandria, Va: American Counseling Assoc.Patterson, C., & D'Augelli, A. R. (2013).?Handbook of psychology and sexual orientation. New York: Oxford University Press.Roy, C. (2013).?Generating middle range theory: From evidence to practice. New York: Springer. ................
................

In order to avoid copyright disputes, this page is only a partial summary.

Google Online Preview   Download