Research Design and Methodology

DEPRESSION STAGES IN GAY IDENTITY FORMATION

by

Proposal Submitted in Partial Fulfillment

of the Requirements for the Degree of

Master of Science

Psychology

University

2009

Research Design and Methodology

The purpose of this chapter is to describe the methodology of this thesis study of Gay Identity development . Specifically , this study will compare the mental health issues between the different stages of gay development . It will also determine the impact of social support system on the gay identity development and mental health needs of these individuals . This

outline of the methodology will include discussion of the research design , participants , instrumentation , materials procedures , and data analysis

Theory or Theories used

Human same-sex sexuality has been found in cultures across the globe and throughout history . Epistemological differences exist in terms of being able to conceptualize the phenomenon of same-sex sexuality , yet several useful and viable models are available that integrate multiple perspectives and therefore permit much needed continuing research Sexual identity development can be interpreted within the context of life-course development . This implies that identity development can occur along many pathways and may result in several potentially meaningful outcomes . It is important to measure the concept of gay identity development with well-developed instrument and to interpret research using the said instrument in light of life- course development theory . This helps to avoid overly (and therefore invalid ) essentialist or constructionist explanations for the highly complex phenomena related to human sexual development

Gay identity development can be seen as the shift from the primarily homo-negative...