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This study explored the fit of Cass's (1979) model of homosexual identity formation (HIF) and the utilization of the Self Identity Questionnaire (Brady, 1983) with a sample of lesbian women. Purposes of the study were to evaluate assignment of HIF stage based on two self-report measures, to measure the relationship between aspects of self-concept and lesbian identity development, and to clarify the sequencing of developmental tasks in lesbian identity formation. Participants were 118 women who self-identified as lesbian or as questioning their sexuality. Results of the study indicated that relationships exist between self-reported and assigned HIF stage, that HIF stage correlates with self-concept, and that participants moved through key developmental tasks in the order predicted by Cass's (1979) model. In addition, age was found to have a relationship with HIF stage. The study provides limited support for the utility of the HIF model and its measurement.
Heidi Levine (Mon,) studied this question.