View metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk brought to you by CORE provided by Walden University Walden University ScholarWorks Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection 2018 The exS ual Identity Development of Gay Men in China Stephen Pijanowski Walden University Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations Part of the Social Psychology Commons This Dissertation is brought to you for free and open access by the Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies Collection at ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies by an authorized administrator of ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. Walden University College of Social and Behavioral Sciences This is to certify that the doctoral dissertation by Stephen Pijanowski has been found to be complete and satisfactory in all respects, and that any and all revisions required by the review committee have been made. Review Committee Dr. John Astin, Committee Chairperson, Psychology Faculty Dr. Brian Zamboni, Committee Member, Psychology Faculty Dr. Bonnie Nastasi, University Reviewer, Psychology Faculty Chief Academic Officer Eric Riedel, Ph.D. Walden University 2018 Abstract The Sexual Identity Development of Gay Men in China by Stephen Pijanowski MAS, Roosevelt University, 2009 BA, Northeastern Illinois University, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social Psychology Walden University May 2018 Abstract Limited research describes the impact of ethnic groups and mores, especially those of Asian ethnicities, on the development of a global queering theory of sexual-identity development. The purpose of this grounded-theory study was to investigate the sexual- identity development of homosexuals in a non-Western collectivist culture and the extent of influence Western gay expatriates have on Chinese gay males’ sexual-identity development. Five identity-development models served as the theoretical foundations of this study: Cass, Troiden, McCarn and Fassinger, D’Augelli, Gock, and the conceptual theory of global queering. NVivo aided in data organization, while coding and analysis were applied to the data. Individual, Skype interviews were held with 22 Chinese gay men. Participants explained how Western influence changed and was adapted to cultural norms even when no similarities emerged in the combining cultures. This research increases understanding of collectivist cultures and lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities embedded in them. Understanding can create positive social change affecting the coming-out process, cultural diffusion, and same-sex couples in collectivist cultures. This study may spur a call for additional research into LGBT communities globally on sexual-identity development, particularly in relation to race and culture. The Sexual Identity Development of Gay Men in China by Stephen Pijanowski MAS, Roosevelt University, 2009 BA, Northeastern Illinois University, 2002 Dissertation Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy Social Psychology Walden University May 2018 Dedication This dissertation is dedicated to my mother Phyllis Pijanowski, for showing me life is what you make of it. I would also like to send my gratitude to Ed Kappus, the father and conscious I needed in life and showing me the path and value of education. Alexandra Billings and Chrisanne Blankenship- Billings for being a divine and spirit guides in my life, without whom I would not be here today. My friends Rachael Smith, Elea Crowther Nielsen, and Kirsten Olsen for always believing in me even when I did not believe in myself. Lastly, Dr. John Astin for his help and guidance throughout the process. Acknowledgments I would like to send my deepest gratitude to the following people: My Chairperson, Dr. John Astin, committee member Dr. Zamboni, university reviewer Bonnie Nastasi, Chrisanne Blankenship-Billings for guiding and being my soundboard when I needed advice and strength. Table of Contents List of Tables .......................................................................................................................v Chapter 1: Introduction to the Study ....................................................................................1 Background ..............................................................................................................1 Problem Statement ...................................................................................................1 Purpose of the Study ................................................................................................4 Research Questions ..................................................................................................4 Theoretical and Conceptual Framework for the Study ............................................5 Nature of the Study ..................................................................................................7 Definitions ................................................................................................................7 Assumptions .............................................................................................................9 Scope and Delimitations...........................................................................................9 Limitations .............................................................................................................10 Significance ............................................................................................................11 Implications for Positive Social Change ................................................................12 Summary ................................................................................................................12 Chapter 2: Literature Review .............................................................................................13 Research Strategy ...................................................................................................14 Theoretical Foundations .........................................................................................15 Cass Homosexual-Identity-Development Model .......................................15 Troiden Homosexual Identity Development Model ..................................18 McCarn and Fassinger’s Gay- and Lesbian-Identity-Development Model .........................................................................................................19 i D’Augelli Homosexual Identity Model .....................................................21 Critique ...................................................................................................................23 Asian Dual Identities ..............................................................................................25 Global Gay .............................................................................................................31 The History of Homosexuality in China ................................................................32 Choosing Grounded Theory ...................................................................................34 Summary ................................................................................................................35 Chapter 3: Methodology ....................................................................................................37 Research Design and Rationale ..............................................................................37 Role of the Researcher and Bias ............................................................................38 Addressing Bias......................................................................................................40 Participant Selection Logic ....................................................................................41 Sample Saturation ..................................................................................................41 Instrumentation.......................................................................................................42 Procedures for Recruitment and Participation .......................................................45 Data Collection .......................................................................................................45 Reflexive Journal and Nonparticipant Observation ...............................................47 Discrepant Cases ....................................................................................................47 Data-Analysis Plan .................................................................................................48 Issues of Trustworthiness .......................................................................................49 Ethical Procedures ..................................................................................................51 Summary ................................................................................................................52 Chapter 4: Results ..............................................................................................................53 ii Research Questions ................................................................................................53 Setting.....................................................................................................................53