A qualitative report exploring the factors that impact the formation and development of sexual identity.

Mohammed, Anisa (2019) A qualitative report exploring the factors that impact the formation and development of sexual identity. Manchester Metropolitan University. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This project aims to determine the prominent factors effecting the formation and development of sexual-identity, whilst also exploring the extent to which the Cass Identity model (Cass, 1979) can accurately account for this formation. Five participants from an array of different orientations were interviewed using a semi-structured interview model. Thematic analysis was utilised (Braun and Clarke, 2006) to analyse the data and three prominent themes were generated; ‘Importance of representation’, ‘Label security opposing identities fluid nature’ and ‘the queer hierarchy’. Due to the distinct nature of individual sexuality, the themes appeared to manifest in each participants’ lives in a different way. Consequently, through comparing similarities in experience, it became possible to determine distinct affecting factors that appear to impact identity formation more universally. Findings also indicated the lack of generalisability of the Identity Model as it failed to address the impact of situational and environmental factors on identity formation. The report takes a critical approach by dissecting the models six stages in comparison to the lived experience of individuals. Findings gathered can lead to a greater understanding of the nature of identity formation. These findings enable the formulations of possible future implications and interventions to help ease the experience of identity-formation through the addressing of the difficulties typically experienced.