Substance Use and Social Identity in the Lesbian Community

Bibliographic Data

ID12459119
AuthorsMolly Kerby (Western Kentucky University, corresponding author), R W Wilson (0009-0008-0795-7717, Western Kentucky University), Richard Wilson (0000-0003-0152-4394), Thomas Nicholson (Western Kentucky University), John B White (Western Kentucky University)
Year2005
Volume9
Issue3
Pages45-56
Publication date2005-09-27
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Lesbian Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1089-4160 • E-ISSN: 1540-3548
PublisherTaylor & Francis (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1300/j155v09n03_05
PMID17548284
OpenAlexW2010963361
LanguageEN
Citations received6
References cited15

Although the study results report discrepancies in the rates of substance abuse in the lesbian community, the general consensus in the field of gay and lesbian studies is that these individuals, as a whole, have a higher rate of substance use. For this study, data were collected via the Internet on the use of drugs and alcohol, level of self-esteem, and degree of social identity in the lesbian community. A correlation analysis was used to determine if negative social identity within the lesbian community leads to low self-esteem that is reflected in higher rates of substance abuse. Though a positive relationship between social identity and self-esteem was determined, no significant correlation between negative social identity, low self-esteem, and substance use was determined. However, it is important to consider that respondents with higher levels of self-esteem reported more frequent use of specific drugs. That outcome in itself is an implication for further investigation

Developmental psychology · Identity (music · Lesbian · Psychiatry · Self-esteem · Social group · Social identity theory · Substance abuse · Substance use · Clinical Psychology · LGBTQ Health, Identity, and Policy · Psychology · Sexuality, Behavior, and Technology · Social and Intergroup Psychology · Social Psychology

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