Gay Identity and Sense of Self

Abstract

Psychodynamic theories of male homosexuality are reviewed including Freud, Klein and Object Relations theory. Some shortcomings of these theories are assuming (a) homogeneity of the gay male population, (b) the existence of a “homogenetic” family, and (c) that homosexuality necessarily emerges as a result of developmental arrest. An alternative explanation for problems in gay identity and sense of self is the environment's lack of empathy, mirroring, and acceptance for the gay child's constitutional differentness. A treatment approach based on principles of Self Psychology is recommended for providing gay clients who have disorders of the Self with corrective interpersonal experience.