Coming Out Among Lesbians, Gays, and Bisexual Individuals in Hong Kong: Application of the Theory of Planned Behavior and the Moderating Role of Attitudinal Ambivalence

Abstract

The present study applied the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to identify factors associated with disclosure intention among lesbians (n = 236), gay men (n = 183), bisexual women (n = 156), and bisexual men (n = 46) (LGBs) in Hong Kong. Past disclosure behavior and the moderating role of attitudinal ambivalence were also examined. Findings showed that perceived behavioral control predicted intention significantly in all four groups. Attitude predicted intention significantly in lesbians, gay men, and bisexual women. Subjective norm predicted intention significantly in lesbians and gay men. The moderating effect of attitudinal ambivalence was supported in lesbians. Past disclosure behavior was not significant in predicting disclosure intention. The present study showed differential utility of the TPB on LGBs’ disclosure intention in Hong Kong.