| dc.description.abstract | The rights of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals have come to the forefront of many debates in today's society, causing several LGB individuals to experience rejection and discrimination from many sources, including their parents (i.e. Elizur & Ziv, 2001). This lack of acceptance has been shown to increase the emotional distress of LGB individuals (Elizur & Ziv, 2001; Darby-Mullins & Murdock, 2007). The concept of self-compassion has been correlated with lower levels of depression and anxiety (Neff & McGehee, 2011). However, no research to date has used this concept among a sample of LGB individuals. Therefore, this study attempts to fill this gap in the self-compassion literature and explores the relationship between parental variables and self-compassion. Specifically, this study examined the effect parental attachment, parental support, parental acceptance of LGB identity and level of outness has on self-compassion and emotional distress. The sample was comprised of 98 individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, or bisexual. Participants were recruited through an online survey using a multiple formats, including lists serves through the Tulsa Equality Network and the Cimarron Alliance. Levels of parental attachment, parental support, parental acceptance of LGB identity by one's mother and level of outness were positively correlated to level of self-compassion. Participants' level of emotional distress was negatively correlated to level of parental attachment, parental support, parental acceptance of LGB identity, and level of outness. Additionally, one's level of self-compassion was negatively correlated with level of emotional distress. The results of this study have several beneficial implications, including providing insight into the factors affecting an LGB individual's well-being and levels of self-compassion as well as introducing research involving non-heterosexual samples to the field of self-compassion. | |
