A Further Exploration of the Lesbian Identity Development Process and its Measurement

Abstract

This study explored the fit of Cass's (1979) model of homosexual identity formation (HIF) and the utilization of the Self Identity Questionnaire (Brady, 1983) with a sample of lesbian women. Purposes of the study were to evaluate assignment of HIF stage based on two self-report measures, to measure the relationship between aspects of self-concept and lesbian identity development, and to clarify the sequencing of developmental tasks in lesbian identity formation. Participants were 118 women who self-identified as lesbian or as questioning their sexuality. Results of the study indicated that relationships exist between self-reported and assigned HIF stage, that HIF stage correlates with self-concept, and that participants moved through key developmental tasks in the order predicted by Cass's (1979) model. In addition, age was found to have a relationship with HIF stage. The study provides limited support for the utility of the HIF model and its measurement.