Papers in Progress
Below we list the papers that are in the process of being written or are under review. We provide the abstracts of these papers for informational purposes only. All of this information is subject to revision. Please contact the first author for a copy of the full draft.
Rostosky, S.S., Danner, F., & Riggle, E.D.B. Is Religiosity a Protective Factor Against Substance Use in Emerging Adulthood? Only If You're Straight! Under review.
Abstract
Empirical research supports the protective nature of religiosity against risk
behaviors including binge drinking, marijuana use, and cigarette smoking (Bachman
et al., 2002). This research is limited, however, by lack of consideration of
the formation and consolidation of sexual identity (e.g., bisexual, gay, heterosexual,
lesbian) as an important developmental process. Data from Waves 1 and 3 of the
National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health were used to examine religiosity
among sexual minority adolescents and test the hypothesis that protective effects
of religiosity on substance use was limited to heterosexual emerging adults.
Findings indicated that sexual minority youth who came out later showed the
largest decline in religiosity from adolescence to emerging adulthood. Religiosity
reduced the odds of marijuana use and cigarette smoking for heterosexual but
not for sexual minority emerging adults.
Riggle, E.D.B., Rostosky, S.S., Couch, R., Brodnicki, C., Campbell, J., & Savage, T. To have or not to have: Advance planning by same-sex couples. Under review.
Abstract
Twenty-eight same-sex couples were interviewed regarding advance planning documents
(e.g., wills and powers of attorney). Results revealed motivating and inhibiting
factors in decisions to execute documents. Couples that had executed advance
planning documents were motivated by the desire to protect and show commitment
to the relationship, experiences with family of origin, experiences of friends
and life experiences, and socio-political culture; couples that had not executed
advance planning documents were deterred by a lack of priority or urgency, relationships
with family of origin and partner, good health and youth, and a lack of resources,
including a lack of knowledge about the documents. The unique experiences of
same-sex couples and resulting policy implications are discussed within a theoretical
framework of minority stress.
"The Positive Aspects of Being Lesbian or a Gay Man." Ellen Riggle (University of Kentucky), Sharon Scales Rostosky (University of Kentucky), Joy Whitman (DePaul University), and Sue Strong (Eastern Kentucky University)
Analysis in progress - DO NOT QUOTE without the permission of the authors
This is astudy of the positive aspects of being a lesbian (or woman-loving-woman) or a gay man (or man-loving-man). The purpose of this study is to document the positive aspects and strengths that lesbians (or women-loving-women) and gay men (or man-loving-man) perceive as associated with their self-identification.
We appreciate your interest in the results of our survey about what is positive about being a lesbian or a gay man. We had approximately 600 individuals respond to the survey. Although we have not had the opportunity to fully analyze the responses, we have some preliminary results that we would like to share with you.
The responses that can be characterized as a part of broad themes include (in
no particular order of importance or frequency):
1) having a sense of belonging to a community;
2) creating families of choice;
3) an increased sense of empathy and compassion for other minorities and desire
to work for social justice;
4) a feeling of being authentic and honest, or the ability "to be who I
am";
4) freedom from gender role stereotypes and expectations; and
5) deepened ability to have insight and be intimate with a partner or other
loved ones.
These positive perceptions were reported by both gay men and lesbians. Gay men also frequently mentioned the sense of freedom to be creative and freedom to have quality relationships with women (lesbians and straight women); lesbians also frequently mentioned a sense of freedom from cultural norms of body image for women, feeling safer in lesbian environments, and enjoying lesbian/women's cultural events.
As we continue to analyze the data and report our results, we will post updates
on our website at http://www.uky.edu/~rostosk/PRISM.htm We appreciate your interest
in this research and hope that our focus on the positive aspects of the lives
of lesbians and gay will help to improve cultural and societal images.