Stages of Identity Development Among College Students with Minority Sexual Orientations

This study examined the identity development of college students with gay, lesbian, bisexual, and other minority sexual orientations. A descriptive model was constructed that identifies six sequential stages of identity development experienced by individuals with minority sexual orientations: (1) Recognizing a Difference, (2) Reflective Observing, (3) Internalizing Reflective Observations, (4) Self-Identifying, (5) Coming into Proximity, and (6) Networking and Connecting. The research is one in a series of investigations that are intended to provide the foundation for developing theoretical constructs that complement existing literature by more inclusively describing the unique adjustment and developmental tasks experienced by diverse campus populations. Counseling implications of the six-stage model are presented.