Scaffolding in Family Relationships: A Grounded Theory of Coming Out to Family

Abstract

ObjectiveTo challenge the conceptualization that disclosure means coming out by creating a model of coming out inclusive of various lived experiences.BackgroundComing out has traditionally been conceptualized in Western literature as disclosing one's sexual minority identity to self and others. However, this conceptualization may not generalize to a collectivistic culture such as Taiwan.MethodTwo waves of interview data with 28 Taiwanese lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) individuals were used to establish a grounded theory of coming out to family.ResultsThis grounded theory's core category is scaffolding for a stable family relationship, in which coming out is a scaffolding process. Three key propositions in this emergent theory are (a) LGB individuals and their parents have different sets of expectations for personal and family life that need to be reconciled, (b) scaffolding efforts create an iterative process in that they could either facilitate or inhibit reconciliation, and (c) the iterative process of scaffolding is influenced by a host of factors.ConclusionThis study established a grounded theory of coming out for Taiwanese LGB individuals and their families in which disclosures are often absent and scaffolding to reach goals is key.ImplicationsCultural background and the prolonged iterative process of coming out should be considered when theorizing about and providing relevant professional services to this population.