ACEs and Sexual Identity Development
Document Type
Event
Department
Social Work
Abstract
A widely accepted concept in the research and application of clinical social work is the idea that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a negative impact on mental health; and experiencing more than one ACE compounds that impact. One of the significant milestones in individual identity development is the achievement of one’s sexual orientation identity. Our research is to determine if there is a correlation between adverse childhood experiences and delayed sexual orientation identity development and acceptance in gay men aged 18-25. To look at how these two elements interact with one another we surveyed men in the 18-25 age range who identify as LGBTQ+. We anticipate that those with higher ACE scores will have a correspondingly later age at which they resolved the issue of sexual orientation identity.
ACEs and Sexual Identity Development
A widely accepted concept in the research and application of clinical social work is the idea that Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) have a negative impact on mental health; and experiencing more than one ACE compounds that impact. One of the significant milestones in individual identity development is the achievement of one’s sexual orientation identity. Our research is to determine if there is a correlation between adverse childhood experiences and delayed sexual orientation identity development and acceptance in gay men aged 18-25. To look at how these two elements interact with one another we surveyed men in the 18-25 age range who identify as LGBTQ+. We anticipate that those with higher ACE scores will have a correspondingly later age at which they resolved the issue of sexual orientation identity.
