Internalized Homonegativity: A Systematic Mapping Review of Empirical Research

• Published in: Journal of homosexuality Vol. 63; no. 4; pp. 541 - 558
• Main Authors: Berg, Rigmor C., Munthe-Kaas, Heather M., Ross, Michael W.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Routledge 02-04-2016; Taylor & Francis LLC
• Subjects: Bisexuality; Defense Mechanisms; Empirical Research; Female; Gays & lesbians; Health; Health status; Homophobia; Homophobia - psychology; Homosexuality; Homosexuality - psychology; Humans; Internalization; internalized homonegativity; Lesbianism; Male; Mapping; Measurement; Prevention; Prevention programs; Qualitative research; Repression, Psychology; Sexual orientation; systematic mapping review; Well being; North America; Homophobia; internalized homonegativity; systematic mapping review; research
• ISSN: 0091-8369; 1540-3602
• DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2015.1083788

Internalized homonegativity (IH) is an important variable affecting the wellbeing of lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) persons. We included 201 studies in a systematic mapping review of IH. Most studies were conducted in North America and examined IH as a predictor of poor health. The primary focus of 14 studies was IH scale measurement, and, in total, these studies detailed nine distinct scales. Eighteen studies compared levels of IH in LGB populations, four described prevention programs, and one investigated IH using qualitative methods. Our review indicates that further research is needed, particularly qualitative research and ways to ameliorate IH.