Attaining and Maintaining Positive Lesbian Self-Identity: A Cognitive Therapy Approach

INTRODUCTION While lesbians experience a high degree of satisfaction in their relationships (Peplau, Cochran, Rook & Padesky, 1978; Peplau, Padesky & Hamilton, 1983), the route to positive self-identity may be rocky for newly identified lesbians. Cultural, familial and societal attitudes toward lesbians are often very negative. In social context, therefore, a woman may feel confused when trying to reconcile her positive feelings for women with negative reactions from others and her own negative stereotypes of what it means to be lesbian. For a complete reprint of this article contact Haworth Press by telephone (1-800-HAWORTH) or EMAIL (getinfo@haworthpressinc.com). Article copyright The Haworth Press, Inc.