Development of a Gynecologic Assessment Instrument Based on the Shuler Nurse Practitioner Practice Model.
Abstract
To validate the diversity in human sexual behavior and expression, the psychological community developed the term sexual orientation. Sexual orientation refers to the 'sexual and affectional relationships of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and heterosexual people' (American Psychological Association, 1991, p. 973). Currently, the terms gay male sexual orientation and lesbian sexual orientation are preferable to the term homosexuality, for the former terms focus on the individual; the latter term has historical associations with criminal behavior and pathology (American Psychological Association, 1991). In specifically identifying a lesbian sexual orientation, the American Psychological Association (1991) hoped to decrease the negative stereotyping and ambiguity lesbians face in asserting themselves as individuals in society. The statistics reflect this problem. Although it is widely accepted that lesbians constitute 10% of the female population, this statistic probably underestimates the true numbers (Lynch, 1993; Zeidenstein, 1990). The 'invisible minority' (Hitchcock & Wilson, p. 178) of lesbians blames this underestimation on societal homophobia. Homophobia, the 'irrational fear, dislike, or hatred of lesbians and gay men' (Zeidenstein p. 10), creates a hostile environment that inhibits lesbians from freely reporting their sexual orientation. For lesbians, public disclosure of sexual orientation is a risk (Hitchcock & Wilson, 1992). They risk antagonism, intimidation, rejection, ridicule, and injury (Stevens, 1994).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 27, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA302826
Entities
People
- Patricia L. Dykstra
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology