RESUMEN
The coming out process has biopsychosocial components that occur whenever a lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB) person shares their sexual orientation with another person. It is a complex and difficult process, but it has been described as an essential component for identity formation and integration. The purpose of this pilot study was to assess a Multidimensional Intelligences Model (MIM) (Body, Emotional, Social, and Ecological Intelligences) as predictor of the coming out acceptance (COA) and growth (COG).The objectives of this study were to 1) examine if MIM can predict COA and COG among LGB individuals; and 2) determine differences in the MIM between the four stratified groups (lesbian women, bisexual women, gay men, bisexual men). This pilot study had a quantitative method with an exploratory cross-sectional design. A total of 67 LGB participants completed an online survey. The results shows that the MIM could not predict the COA. However, the MIM could predict the COG and explained 20.6% of the variance. We believe this can be explained because in the COA people do not have control of how other people can feel and react. However, in the COG the person could have full self-control of their own growth.
El proceso de salir del clóset tiene componentes biopsicosociales que ocurren cuando una persona lesbiana, gay o bisexual (LGB) comparte su orientación sexual con otra persona. Es un proceso complejo y difícil, pero ha sido descrito como un componente esencial para la formación e integración de la identidad. El propósito de este estudio piloto fue evaluar un Modelo de Inteligencias Multidimensionales (MIM) (Inteligencia Corporal, Emocional, Social y Ecológica) como predictor de la aceptación después de la salida del clóset (ASC) y el crecimiento después de la salida del clóset (CSC). Los objetivos de este estudio fueron 1) examinar si MIM puede predecir el ASC y el CSC entre personas LGB; y 2) determinar diferencias en el MIM entre los cuatro grupos estratificados (mujeres lesbianas, mujeres bisexuales, hombres gays, hombres bisexuales). Este estudio piloto contó con un método cuantitativo con un diseño transversal exploratorio. Un total de 67 participantes LGB completaron una encuesta en línea. Los resultados muestran que el MIM no predice la ASC. Sin embargo, el MIM sí predice el CSC, explicando el 20,6% de la varianza. Creemos que esto se puede explicar porque en la ASC las personas no tienen control de cómo otras personas pueden sentir y reaccionar. Sin embargo, en la CSC la persona puede controlar su propio crecimiento.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: Intersex is an umbrella term used to describe the diversity or differences in the characteristics of physical sexual development. Approximately 1.7% of the population are born intersex, and 1 in every 2000 babies at birth presents genital variation. Unfortunately, there is a lack of research on the health of intersex-identifying persons in Latin America. This study aimed to document experiences of discrimination and violence among self-identifying intersex individuals in Puerto Rico and to determine if there is a significant difference in the quality of life, psychological well-being, and social well-being between intersex-identifying and endosex individuals. METHODS: This was a quantitative method pilot study with a cross-sectional approach and exploratory comparative group design. An online survey was used, where a total of 12 self-identifying intersex adult participants were recruited, and 126 endosex adult participants served as a comparative group. RESULTS: The findings show that 83% of the participants reported experiences of discrimination and different types of violence due to their intersexuality. There was a significant difference between the intersex-identifying and endosex groups in psychological well-being, including in three of its dimensions (positives relations, autonomy, and environmental mastery). However, there were no significant differences between the groups in quality of life or social well-being. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study provide a preliminary understanding of the health disparities of intersex-identifying individuals in Puerto Rico and suggest the need for more profound research, especially the inclusion of other Caribbean and Hispanic countries. The findings also preliminarily imply the need for local and global interventions to reduce physical and mental health disparities and to improve health, quality of life, and well-being among intersex-identifying individuals.