A Quick Guide to the Cass Theory of Lesbian & Gay Identity Formation

A Quick Guide to the Cass Theory

A Quick Guide to the Cass Theory of Lesbian & Gay Identity Formation

Vivienne Cass, Ph.D.

Ph.D., M.Psych., B.Psych., Teach.Cert., Dip.Sch.Mus., MAPS

A Quick Guide to the

Cass Theory of Lesbian & Gay Identity Formation

Copyright © 2015 by Vivienne Cass, Ph.D.

Smashwords Edition

Brightfire Press

(SAN 9023174)

PO Box 1127, Bentley DC

Western Australia 6983

www.brightfire.com.au

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher, except by reviewers who may quote brief excerpts in connection with a review in a newspaper, magazine or electronic publication; nor may any part of this book be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or other, without written permission from the publisher.

National Library of Australia

Cataloguing-in-Publication Entry

Cass, Vivienne, author

A quick guide to the Cass theory of lesbian & gay

identity formation / Vivienne Cass, Ph.D.

ISBN: 9780975077726 (ebook)

Lesbians–Identity.

Gays–Identity.

Sexual orientation.

Identity (Psychology).

Cognitive psychology.

155.33

Cover Design by Shelley Glasow, Goodlife Guide

Formatting by Shelley Glasow, Goodlife Guide

In memory of my sister, Shelley.

Previous Books by Vivienne Cass

There’s More To Sex Than AIDS: The A to Z Guide to Safe Sex

The Elusive Orgasm: A Woman’s Guide to Why She Can’t and How She Can Orgasm

Contents

Acknowledgments

Preface: why the need for a quick guide

Using the Quick Guide

Chapter 1. Developing the theory

Background

History

Research

Chapter 2. The theory’s epistemological base

Social constructionist psychology

Dynamic interaction process

Negotiated interpersonal relationships

Other distinguishing features of Cass’ theory

Psychology of knowledge

Indigenous psychologies

Sexual knowledge

Cognitive schemas

Chapter 3. Definition of identity formation process

Chapter 4. Motivational factors

Motivation to engage in identity formation

Interpersonal congruency theory

Chapter 5. Definition of Identity

Conceptual framework

Homosexual identity as typological identity

Distinctions between presented, perceived and sexual identities

Chapter 6. Stages of Identity Formation

Stage descriptions

Pre-stage 1

Stage 1: Identity Confusion

Stage 2: Identity Comparison

Stage 3: Identity Tolerance

Stage 4: Identity Acceptance

Stage 5: Identity Pride

Stage 6: Identity Synthesis

Chapter 7. Stage Allocation Measure

Chapter 8. Critique of theory

Linearity of stages

Experiences of women

Stage 6 as the end-point

Individuals at Stage 6 as more mature

Relevance of theory

Chapter 9. Time to expand our thinking

Chapter 10. Implications for counselling and therapy

Counselling guidelines

References

Acknowledgments

Special thanks to Dr Rebecca Roberts who highlighted the need for this book and generously applied her intellect and computer literacy skills towards its completion. Her support and care are greatly appreciated.

I am also grateful to the many researchers, educators, counsellors and clinicians who continue to let me know that my theory offers them guidance in understanding and supporting those people who are engaged in the process of identifying as lesbian or gay. I especially want to extend my appreciation to the professionals and students in developing countries whose application of the theory to their work and studies has forged new ground in these cultures, often amidst cultural opposition and homophobic attitudes.

About The Author

Dr Vivienne Cass is a consultant clinical psychologist and specialist in human sexuality, who currently